Accessible Text

Learn more about accommodations related to making textbooks and readings more accessible. Below is information about what to expect after submitting a course accommodation request as well as resources for accessible text.

Purchase Textbooks from VitalSource

VitalSource is an online platform that makes it easy to get audio for a textbook. Many VitalSource books have a Read Aloud feature that makes listening to a book simple.

Before purchasing a book, students are encouraged to check the eTextbook platform VitalSource.

VitalSource books may have accessibility features that will allow a student to listen to their book as they read along. Check for the Read Aloud feature of any VitalSource book to ensure accessibility before purchasing.

VitalSource eTextbook features. Instant Access: Purchase and read your book immediately. Read Offline: Access your eTextbook anytime and anywhere. Study Tools: Built-in study tools like highlights and more. Read Aloud: Listen and follow along as Bookshelf reads to you.

Students purchasing VitalSource books may choose between Lifetime access or access for a specific number of days.

Provide Proof of Purchase to DRC

Not all textbooks are available in formats that are already accessible. In these cases, the DRC will assist in the conversion of a book to a more accessible format. Before this more accessible format can be shared with a student, the student must first provide proof that they have purchased a copy of the book.

Proof of Purchase can be provided by emailing the receipt for the book to drcmaterials@usu.edu. Students may also bring the receipt for a book to the Disability Resource Center between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Disability Resource Center is located in University Inn Suite 101.

After a student has provided proof of purchase, the DRC will share the book as soon as possible. The DRC works to share books within two weeks of the date proof of purchase has been provided.

Listen to Textbooks Using Capti

The DRC uses the online platform Capti to share books with students who have provided proof of purchase. A student's Capti account is created by the DRC and is accessible via a browser or the AppStore. A student's username and password will be emailed to them immediately after an account has been created. This password may be changed by the student after logging in for the first time.

Instructions for logging in to Capti and listening to books can be found on the Listen to Books and Documents Using Capti page. A student may also listen to their own documents by uploading them to Capti. Instructions for doing so are also included on the previous link.

Listen to PDFs and Other Downloaded Documents

The following tools are provided by the DRC to assist students in listening to course readings and other materials. If these tools are not sufficient for a document, contact the DRC for further assistance.

Canvas (using Ally)

Natural Reader

Capti

  • Use Capti to listen along to books and documents
  • A free Premium account is provided by the DRC
  • See Instructions for using Capti for more information

Listen to Online Material Using Chrome Extensions

Read Aloud

Read Aloud is a free Chrome Extension that can be added to Chrome to provide audio for most webpages.

Natural Reader

Natural Reader also offers a free Chrome Extension that provides audio for most webpages.

Capti

Capti also offers a free Chrome Extension that provides audio for most webpages.

Questions

The Disability Resource Center is available to answer any questions regarding book and document requests, how to access books, or help using the tools previously mentioned. Students may email, call, or visit the DRC to have their questions answered.

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