Accessibly Formatted Texts

Alternative formats are accessible versions of printed, digital, audio, and visual materials that provide content in ways that meet accommodation needs. Materials may be available in: 

• Braille & Tactile Graphics – Raised-print materials for individuals who are blind or have low vision. 

• Large Print – Enlarged text versions of documents and books. 

• Digital & Audio Formats – Screen-reader-compatible PDFs, e-books, and audiobooks. 

• Captioned & Transcribed Media – Ensuring all video and audio materials have accurate captions or transcripts. 

Requesting Accessibly Formatted Texts 

Individuals requiring alternative formats should contact OAS as early as possible. Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis to best support individual needs.  

Availability and turnaround times may vary depending on the format requested and the availability of source materials. 

How to Create Accessible Course Materials 

• Learn how to make a PDF accessible 

• Learn about OAS' document remediation services 

• Learn how to generate accessible captions individually 

• Learn about OAS caption and transcription services 

• Learn about how OAS supports faculty in implementing accessibility 

An audiobook is a piece of literature that is read aloud and distributed in the form of an audio file or recording. Files may be offered as: 

• MP3 – Audio files that use text-to-speech software to record readings and can be used with any device that supports MP3 playback. 

• DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) - Files that work with many assistive technology or applications (ex. Thorium Reader, EasyReader) that reads text-based books.  

UVM community members also have access to audiobooks through UVM Libraries. 

An eBook is a textbook, novel, article, or document that has been converted into an accessible electronic format. Accessible eBooks can often be used with text-to-speech software, screen readers, magnification tools, and other assistive technologies. 

Individuals may request accessible versions of required materials. 

Text-to-Speech Resources 

Many accessible documents and eBooks can be used with text-to-speech software and other accessibility tools. 

Visit our page on Text-to-Speech Resources for more information on the different software we support and how to access it.

Requesting Accessibly Formatted Texts 

Individuals requiring alternative formats should contact OAS as early as possible. Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis to best support individual needs.  

Availability and turnaround times may vary depending on the format requested and the availability of source materials. 

How to Create Accessible Digital Materials 

• Learn basic document accessibility 

• Learn how to make a PDF accessible 

• Learn about document remediation services 

• Learn how to create captions for videos, and how to host and embed them 

• Learn about OAS caption and transcription services 

• Learn about how OAS supports faculty in implementing accessibility