Accessible Formats (also referred to as Alternative Formats) are course materials, including textbooks, that have been converted through a remediation process to be made accessible for print and digital content.
Accessible Formats are provided to ensure that students with approved accommodations have equitable access to course content.
Examples of Accessible Formats include, but are not limited to:
- Braille
- Large Print
- Digital format - E-Text (electronic text)
- Tactile Graphics
- Detailed image descriptions of graphs, diagrams, maps, pictures, etc.
- Accessible charts
- 3D Prints
- HTML
- Accessible PDF
- Word Document
- EPUB
Accessible materials are provided solely for the eligible student’s educational use in their enrolled courses. In accordance with copyright law and OSU policy, Accessible Formats must not be copied, redistributed, or shared with others in any form (including posting online, providing to peers, or reproducing beyond personal use).
Alternate Format Conversion Process
The alternate format conversion process for electronic text begins once a student submits a formal request for course materials through DAS Student Portal. Inaccessible PDFs and other instructional materials are converted into accessible formats in alignment with the student’s approved accommodations and stated format preferences.
Starting In Week 1 of the prior term to when materials are needed, DAS collaborates with blind/low-vision students, their Academic Advisor, academic departments, and instructors to gather course materials requiring conversion. Students should promptly notify DAS if any requested materials no longer need to be converted or if there is a change in their course plan.
To ensure timely access, instructors and students must provide required course materials to DAS as early as possible. Because alternate format conversion can be a complex and time-intensive process, delays in providing materials may result in delays in delivery.
Textbook Conversion to E-Text
Students are responsible for submitting their alternate format requests for digital e-text format through the DAS Student Portal each term at least four weeks prior to the start of term or at the time of course registration. Requests submitted after the established deadlines will be processed in the order in which they are received and may not be available by the time the material is required in class. For requests submitted in a timely manner, DAS will generally deliver digital materials at least two weeks in advance of when the publication needs to be read by students.
In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law and publisher agreements, DAS cannot release an electronic textbook (E-Text) until the student provides proof of purchase or proof of possession of the corresponding textbook. Proof of purchase (receipt or other verification) must be submitted by emailing [email protected] or uploading directly through the DAS Student Portal.
Please be aware that some course materials offered by third-party vendors may present accessibility challenges when used with assistive technology. Students should contact DAS if barriers are experienced with accessing course materials or with the technology platform.
Contact Information
For questions or support regarding Alternate Formats, students should contact the DAS Alt Formats team at: [email protected]
Page updated: 1/2026