Alternate Media

Textbooks, instructional materials, and other printed information being converted to another format such as Braille, large print, or electronic text. The United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has held that the three basic components of effective communication include: "timeliness of delivery, accuracy of the translation, and provision in a manner and medium appropriate to the significance of the message and the abilities of the individual with the disability.”

Accommodation Services Offered

We are dedicated to supporting DSPS students by offering a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance their academic experience including but not limited to: 

  • Audiobooks 
  • Note-Taking 
  • Recording Apps 
  • Text-to-Speech
  • Dictation (Voice-to-Text)
  • Magnification Devices 
  • Braille or Electronic Braille
  • Assistive Technology
  • Adaptive Equipment
  • Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

Orientation Appointments for Alternate Media Services

Appointments will take place over Zoom. Special consideration for in-person appointments for students requesting will be given. Please email scaltmedia@saddleback.edu to request an appointment with Mike Sauter. During the appointment we will discuss your specific accommodations.

The DSPS Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Lab

Our mission at the Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Lab is to empower individuals of all abilities by providing innovative and inclusive technology solutions. We are committed to fostering an accessible learning environment where every student can thrive. Through collaborative partnerships and cutting-edge technology, we strive to break down barriers to education and promote equal opportunities for all learners. At CAT Lab, we believe in the transformative power of technology to enhance accessibility, support diversity, and create a more inclusive society.

Please note that this lab is not a substitute for your orientation appointment, requests for new assistive technology, or detailed inquiries.

We are also hosting open workshops throughout the semester. Our workshop schedule is coming soon! 

Request a Textbook or Instructional Material in Alternate Formats

Students may request the following materials in alternate formats:

  • Required and recommended textbooks which you have purchased or rented. 
    •  Proof of purchase is required and may include:
      • Your receipt or rental agreement (it does not matter where you purchased or rented the book)
  • Instructional material for a class in the form of ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost), handouts, and other class materials.

To request alternate formats of your textbooks and other materials, please use the following form after your orientation meeting and have this information ready:

Policies

Saddleback College will make available, upon request, in alternate media, any publication it offers to the general public such as the college catalog, announcements about cultural or recreational events sponsored by the college, job announcements, etc.  Nevertheless, since most requests are likely to come from students, the primary focus in these guidelines will be to provide instructional materials in accessible formats.

Accessible Topics and Resources

Laws and Guidelines

According to the Chancellor's Office, web pages must satisfy Priority One checkpoints of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and conform to the standards for accessibility under Section 508 of the Rehabilitative Act of 1973.

Both state and federal law require community colleges to operate all programs and activities in a manner which is accessible to students with disabilities. Accordingly, as the system develops its capacity for creation of technology based instructional resources and the delivery of distance learning; it must proceed with the needs of all students in mind, including the unique needs of students with disabilities.

Distance Education: Access Guidelines for Students with Disabilities, August 1999 Chancellor's Office California Community Colleges

From the Chancellor's Office

Contacts

Staff