RCPD produces alternative format materials for people with print-related disabilities. Alternative format materials include braille (literary and scientific), large print, tactile graphic, and electronic.
These formats provide access to information and knowledge for persons with print-related disabilities including blindness, visual impairment, learning disabilities, and motor disabilities. Such services are provided at no cost to RCPD registered students with print-related disabilities, who are both deemed eligible for alternative formats and using the material in MSU credit-granting courses.
If you are an RCPD student looking for an alternate format of your textbook, follow the steps below. See the corresponding accordion menu for further details on each step.
Gather your complete textbook information, including such details as title, author, and ISBN (International Standard Book Number). You can find relevant book information on your syllabus, on the Spartan Bookstore Website (by searching for your course and section), or elsewhere online such as in the book details on Amazon.
Gather the following book details before you begin searching:
You can find relevant book information on your syllabus, on the Spartan Bookstore Website (by searching for your course and section), or elsewhere online such as in the book details on Amazon.
Bookstores serving MSU:
After you obtained the textbook information, search each book's publisher website to see whether the publisher sells the book in E-text (or E-Book) format. If the publisher sells the book in E-text format, buy it direct from the publisher. RCPD will not re-produce a textbook that the publisher already has in E-text format for sale. The most common E-text formats are accessible PDF, Word or Text format. You can usually find publisher's website address by using common Web search engine such as Google, Yahoo, etc.
Using your information from Step 1, search for existing digital copies of your textbook. You may be able to find an accessible digital copy which you can purchase or rent instead of a physical copy, or that you can download in addition to your physical copy.
There are many digital/electronic textbook resources. One of the most efficient ways to find your book online is to do a Google search for the ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Some resources are listed below.
Resources to Obtain (Rent, Borrow, Buy) E-Books
If you don't need a physical copy of your book, you can search online for e-book versions. Many online booksellers offer e-books for purchase or rental, including:
Additional alternate format resources
RCPD students who are e-text eligible may gain access to alternate formats of textbooks through the following resources. If you are unsure if you qualify, contact your RCPD specialist.
If you cannot find your book on your own, you can request RCPD assistance.
If you are unable to acquire an existing digital version of your textbook, you may request RCPD assistance by filling out the Requesting Textbook Production in Alternative Format form. Please note you must have already purchased or rented a copy of the book before requesting an alternate format. If we are unable to locate the textbook via our publisher sources, we can turn it into a PDF and send it directly to you. Please be advised that this process can take up to 2 weeks.
If you are unable to acquire an existing digital version of your textbook, you may request RCPD assistance by filling out this form. Please note that you must have already purchased or rented a copy of the book before requesting an alternate format. If we are unable to locate the textbook via our publisher sources, we can turn it into a PDF and send it directly to you. Please be advised that this process can take up to 2 weeks.
Please note RCPD may need to temporarily take possession of your book to facilitate scanning and processing to digital format.
The Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities facilitates appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities eligible for services. To maintain the integrity of services, a student who wishes to receive and use text in alternative formats must agree to abide by RCPD's terms and conditions.
The production of accessible materials takes time. Ideally, materials need to be sent to RCPD 2 weeks prior to when students need them for class.
The Alternative Format Production for Non-RCPD Programs and Institutions document describes production services of relevance for non-student needs.
The Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities facilitates appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities eligible for services. To maintain the integrity of services, a student who wishes to receive and use text in alternative formats must agree to abide by the following terms and conditions:
Some blind students use braille for accessing printed materials. RCPD facilitates the use of electronic braille ready files (BRF) by providing refreshable braille displays. This method of providing braille enables students to access print without the need to manage large paper versions of textbooks and other reading materials. Students may arrange for an equipment loan from RCPD or the Main Library’s Assistive Technology Center.
In cases where actual paper versions of textbooks and printed materials are needed, RCPD uses the BRF files to produce paper braille books in the office. Braille production is a lengthy process, and thus pre-planning for this format is essential.
Some visually impaired students use large print for accessing printed materials. For students who need to enlarge their textbook, RCPD can scan the book into graphic file format, and then the individual can use programs such as Microsoft Word or any other built-in/added-on software programs for on-screen magnification and/or for large print printing.