Alternative Media
Overview
The Cal Poly Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides textbooks in alternative format for students with verified needs. Among those who may qualify are students with visual and learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, quadripalegic, and those with impaired hand dexterity. A variety of Alternative Media resources are available to facilitate student academic success. These resources may include, but are not limited to, DRC Adaptive Computer Resources, the Alternative Media Library, Volunteer Readers, and professional national non-profit organizations.
To request services from the Alternative Media Center (AMC) and to find out which resources may be most useful, students should:
- Verify their disability with the DRC office.
- Meet with a DRC Access Specialist, who will then authorize utilization of Alternative Media services.
- Make a 15-minute appointment with our Alternative Media Coordinator or designated representative.
Requirements to Receive Service
Students with verified disabilities should initially meet with a DRC Access Specialist, who may authorize the use of Alternative Media services.
Students should then schedule an appointment with the Alternative Media Coordinator or a designated representative to discuss and make arrangements for appropriate services. At this meeting, students will sign an Alternative Media Contract for Services to confirm that they have read and understood policies related to the provision of these services.
Students should meet with the Alternative Media Coordinator soon after registering for classes to discuss a reasonable time line for provision of media services requested for the following quarter. Students should also notify the Alternative Media staff of any subsequent class changes as soon as possible to allow time for media services to be arranged or altered.
Service Priority
Requests are processed in the order they are received by the Alternative Media staff. Students should prioritize requests in the order of need and importance. Media will be provided in the most readily available format to fill immediate needs. Additional (i.e., preferred) alternative media format may be provided at a later date if possible.
Urgent Requests
Urgent requests (such as instructor assigned additional textbook material, reserved materials needed for senior project, etc.) for Alternative Media services not specifically stated on the class syllabus must be reviewed by the Alternative Media Coordinator to determine if request can be completed within the students requested time frame.
Students and DRC AMC staff share the responsibility for the provision of high quality Alternative Media services. Should difficulties arise that can not be resolved, either party may contact the DRC Director for assistance.
Alternative Media Checklist
- Register for classes for upcoming quarter.
- Contact (by phone and/or e-mail) instructor for booklist and reading assignment and/or syllabus. Students must provide requested information and bring in the physical text materials directly to the AMC Coordinator or student assistant.
- Meet with the DRC AMC Coordinator to discuss requested alternative media format.
- Pick up completed material in a timely manner.
- Return all equipment, tapes, and CDs promptly at the end of each quarter.
- A "Thank you" card will be provided during the final weeks of each quarter. As a matter of courtesy and appreciation, please sign card and leave on shelf for mailing.
Note
Students will be asked to sign an "Alternative Media Contract" to indicate that they have read and agree to the above policies and procedures.
Alternative Media Contract (.pdf)
Additional Information
For more information on The Alternative Media Center, please visit:
