What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.”
Disability Support Services (DSS), CSU, Chico
Alternate Media
Alternate Media Agreement (PDF)
Alternate Media Request form (PDF)
The Service
Disability Support Services (DSS) coordinates access to instructional materials in alternate media for eligible students, staff, and faculty with disabilities. Documentation verifying an individual’s eligibility must be on file with DSS. Alternate media is an alternative to standard printed academic materials such as textbooks, lab manuals, class handouts, and tests.
Chico State DSS works with the California State University Center for Alternate Media, publishers, and other schools in securing requested material in these formats. DSS also maintains an onsite inventory of materials already converted to electronic text. Items not available in the necessary format may be converted by DSS or by students using hardware and software available in the Assistive Technology Center located in Meriam Library.
The Law
The Alternate Media Program exists in part due to the passage of Assembly Bill 422 (Statutes of 1999, Chapter 379), Section 67302 of the California State Education Code, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which state
AB 422:
This bill would require every individual, firm, partnership or corporation publishing or manufacturing printed instructional materials, as defined, for students attending the University of California, the California State University, or a California Community College to provide to the university, college, or particular campus of the university or college, for use by students at no additional cost and in a timely manner, any printed instructional material in unencrypted electronic form upon the receipt of a written request, provided that the university or college complies with certain conditions."
Section 504: A recipient shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that no handicapped student is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under the education program or activity operated by the recipient because of the absence of educational auxiliary aids for students with impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills."
The Section 504 regulation also states:
[A]ids, benefits, and services, to be equally effective, are not required to produce the identical result or level of achievement for handicapped and nonhandicapped persons, but must afford handicapped persons equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement, in the most integrated setting appropriate to the person's needs.
ADA Title II:
A public entity shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity conducted by a public entity."
Procedures for Requesting Alternate Media
- An individual with a disability requesting alternate media for the first time must meet with a DSS staff member to determine eligibility for the service.
- Once found to be eligible, the individual must read, agree to, and sign the Alternate Media Agreement. This step is in compliance with AB 422.
- Each semester, students requesting texts in alternate media formats, must submit a Request for Alternate Media (PDF) . If you need assistance completing the form, contact your DSS advisor or DSS receptionist.