Alternative Textbook Resource List

PUBLISHER LOOK-UP SERVICE

Use the link below to find contact information on publishers that provide alternate formats to postsecondary Disability Support providers for students with print disabilties.

http://www.publisherlookup.org/

Free Alternative Text Services

Alex Catalog of Electronic Texts

Overview - Contains public domain documents from American and English literature as well as Western Philosophy.
Step 1 - Visit the website, http://www.infomotions.com/alex/, and search for materials based on author and/or title.
Step 2 - Once you locate a title, you may use the text with a screen reader (i.e. Read Please).
More Info:Contact
Eric Lease Morgan
Infomotions, Inc.
Phone: 219-246-0639
e-mail: eric_morgan@infomotions.com

Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)

Overview - Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
Step 1 - Print an online form and fill out necessary information.http://www.loc.gov/nls/
Step 2 - Get required verification signature from support profesisonal (i.e. DSS, physician).
Step 3 - Books will be mailed directly to your address. You can get a 4 track tape recorder from NLS or DSS. No charge.
More Info:
ADA Coordinator/Disability Employment Program Manager (DEPM)
AASPO, LM-107
Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-2530
email: ada@loc.gov
(202) 707-9948 (TTY) or (202) 707-7544 (voice).

netLibrary

Overview - Provides digital material (books, journals) based on your affiliation with a local library (i.e. SIUC). It is part of the Illinois Digital Academic Library (IDAL).
Step 1 - Students must create a username and password to login and use the database.
Step 2 - Login and search for materials based on title, author, and/or subject.
Step 3 - If the materials are available you can download them to read with a screen reader.
More Info:Visit the website to create a free account:
http://www.netlibrary.com/

Online Books Page

Overview - Website through the University of Pennsylvania that provides free access to books over the Internet. It also has a good directory to other useful directories and archives of online texts.
Step 1 - Visit the Online Books Website
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/aboutolbp.html
Step 2 - Search for your materials by author, title, or subject.
Step 3 - If your book is available, follow the links to the full text. There may be more than one source for the materials.
More Info: Go to this site for more contact information on John Mark Ockerbloom.
http://pobox.upenn.edu/~ockerblo/

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

Overview - RFB&D serves individuals with disabilities who have difficulty or are unable to read standard print. They provide books on tape or audio CD to members of their service. RFB&D also sells tape players and other accessories. In order to access RFB&D's audio CD's, members must have compatible software or compatible CD player. These items are also available from RFB&D. Free for SIUC students eligible for alternative text materials.
Step 1 - To become a member, print an application from their website and fill in the required information. A certified professional's signature will also be needed to verify a disability (i.e. physician). Initial individual membership is $100.00 and yearly renewal is $35.00. DSS will cover the cost for students at SIUC.
Website: http://www.rfbd.org/
Step 2 - Once you are in the system, order the books that you need by 1 of 4 ways.

1. By Phone: 1-800-221-4792
2. By Fax: 609-987-8116
3. E-mail: custserv@rfbd.org
4. Order Online by logging on at RFB&D Online Catalog and Ordering Center

Step 3 - If you have the books mailed to DSS, we will contact you once they arrive, but you may also have them mailed directly to your residence.
More Info: DSS will provide students with a 4-track recorder or Victor Reader CD player to allow students to listen to their tapes and/or CD's. We also have Victor Reader and Eclipse software available for students to use at our text conversion office.

Membership Required or Fee for Service Alternative Text Services

Bookshare.org

Overview - Online community that shares electronic copies of books and other materials for eligible users. Memberships include individual and institutional. Institutions can also share their own library of electronic text with bookshare.org.
Step 1 - Students can register online for an individual membership at http://www.bookshare.org/web/AboutIndividualSubscriptions.html.
Students must provide proof of disability, so make an appointment with DSS text conversion staff to sign the form. Memberships are $25.00 to sign up and $50.00 annual subscription fees.
Step 2 - Search for books using Category, Author, Title. If you find a book and are a member, you will be able to download the text on your computer.
Step 3 - If you have any questions with the process please contact DSS text conversion staff.
More Info:
Bookshare.org
The Benetech Initiative
480 California Avenue
Suite 201
Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609
e-mail: info@bookshare.org

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

Overview - RFB&D serves individuals with disabilities who have difficulty or are unable to read standard print. They provide books on tape or audio CD to members of their service. RFB&D also sells tape players and other accessories. In order to access RFB&D's audio CD's, members must have compatible software or compatible CD player. These items are also available from RFB&D. Free for SIUC students eligible for alternative text materials.
Step 1 - To become a member, print an application from their website and fill in the required information. A certified professional's signature will also be needed to verify a disability (i.e. physician). Initial individual membership is $65.00 and yearly renewal is $35.00. DSS will cover the cost for students at SIUC.
Website: http://www.rfbd.org/
Step 2 - Once you are in the system, order the books that you need by 1 of 4 ways.

1. By Phone: 1-800-221-4792
2. By Fax: 609-987-8116
3. E-mail: custserv@rfbd.org
4. Order Online by logging on at RFB&D Online Catalog and Ordering Center

Step 3 - If you have the books mailed to DSS, we will contact you once they arrive, but you may also have them mailed directly to your residence.
More Info: DSS will provide students with a 4-track recorder or Victor Reader CD player to allow students to listen to their tapes and/or CD's. We also have Victor Reader and Eclipse software available for students to use at our text conversion office.

Talking Tapes/Textbooks on Tape

Overview - Provides books on tape for individuals who are eligible through IDEA, Rehabilitation Act, or ADA critiera. Application must be signed by a certifying professional (i.e. DSS, physician). For SIUC students, DSS will cover the cost of the tapes. Tapes can be purchased or rented.
Step 1 - Visit the website and fill out and then print the online application. Website Address: http://www.talkingtapes.org/HowtoOrder/Individuals/IndividualApplicationForm/tabid/86/Default.aspx
You may then fax or mail the application to the address given below.
Step 2 - Search for books online using Subject, Author, Title, and/or ISBN. If you locate a book, make an appointment with DSS, and the text conversion office workers will assist with billing information on the Tape Order Form.
http://www.talkingtapes.org/forms/talking_tapes_order_form.asp
The order form will be faxed or mailed.
Step 3 - Books can be mailed to the DSS office or directly to your home. DSS will contact you if your books are mailed to our office.
More Info:

16 Sunnen Drive. Suite 162
St. Louis, Missouri 63143
(Phone) 314-646-0500
(Fax) 314-646-0555
http://www.talkingtapes.org/

Mission: To bring the world of books to those not able to read the printed word because of physical, cognitive, visual, or learning disabilities.

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