Books in Alternative Format

Books in Alternative Format (BAF)

If you have a documented print disability (a disability which affects your ability to access traditional printed materials), you may request copies of your books in alternative formats (BAF) as an accommodation.

How to Request Books in Alternative Format

  • Steps and Request Form

    You need four items to request books in alternative format:

    1. an approved accommodation for books in alternative format
    2. a completed request form
    3. proof of purchase, such as a receipt
    4. a USB flash drive or access to Google Drive (provided through Central Piedmont email).

    To make your request:

    1. Check with textbook retailers or the publisher to determine if the book is available for purchase in a format accessible for the specific print disability.
    2. Purchase the book and keep proof of purchase if an accessible format is not available. Proof of purchase is needed to make a special request to the publisher from the Disability Services office.
    3. Complete and submit a request form for each needed textbook. There is an online version, a Word version, and a PDF version of the request form. The online request form submits automatically. Word and PDF forms should be sent along with proof of purchase to dslab@cpcc.edu. You may also submit a receipt in person to Disability Services during regular office hours.
      1. online request form
      2. Word request form
      3. PDF request form
    4. Check for updates. You will be contacted by phone or email with status updates.
    5. Provide a USB flash drive or request access through Google Drive, when the books are ready.

    If you have not received textbook(s) or any status updates about textbook(s) within two weeks of making your request, please contact dslab@cpcc.edu or 704.330.2722, ext. 3462.

    Please keep in mind that the textbook’s publisher reserves all rights to the textbook and accessible copies are issued at the publisher’s discretion.

  • Access Your Books in Alternative Format from Google Drive

    Method 1 (Recommended)

    1. Log into your Central Piedmont email.
    2. Locate the email invitation sent concerning the textbook. Textbook title will likely be in the subject line.
    3. Select the access link within the email.
    4. Select the download button (down arrow pointing to a line) in the top right corner of the preview to download the book.

    Method 2

    1. Log into your Central Piedmont email.
    2. Select the “Google apps” square and select “Drive."
    3. On the left side panel, click “Shared with me” and locate the file.

    Method 3

    1. Go to drive.google.com. Select "Go to Google Drive" if needed.
    2. On the sign-in page, enter your student email address (in the form username@email.cpcc.edu) and select next.
    3. Log into the Central Piedmont login page.
    4. Select “Shared with me” and locate the file.

    You can log into your student email from the student dashboard.

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
    • Go to “View—Read Out Loud—Activate Read Out Loud”
    • Go to “View—Read Out Loud” then tell the computer how you want to read (“Read this page only” or “Read to the end of the document”)
    • If your Adobe Acrobat does not read, you may need to use the newest version (upgrade may be necessary). You can usually find these updates on the Adobe Acrobat website for free.

  • Word or Other Digital Text Files
    • Download Natural Reader software for free (or you can opt to pay for versions that have more capabilities).
    • Open Natural reader and then click on the “floating bar” on the bottom right hand corner.
    • Select the text you would like for the program to read then click the play button.

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