Suggestions for Faculty and Administrators
- Review your institution's textbook adoption process. If you don't have one, consider writing one. Adopt textbooks well in advance of the beginning of the semester, at least one semester in advance. If instructors are assigned courses late, having an already adopted text can help them maximize their preparation time.
- Ask publishers what they are doing about accessible formats. What is their plan to provide them in the future? If they don't have a plan for accessible texts, encourage them to develop one since your college/department considers these issues when choosing textbooks.
- Be flexible with the DSS office when it comes to accessible textbook solutions, even if it means adopting another book that may be available in an accessible format. Their primary concern is keeping the institution out of legal trouble by providing students with disabilities with what the law requires. Listen to their advice. If they are concerned about an accessibility issue, you should be too.
- If you advise students with disabilities, pay particular attention to their degree plan and course sequence. Impress upon them the importance of following the sequence as this will allow maximum accessibility of their text materials. Encourage student to work with the DSS office to give them as much notice as possible of text materials so they can be acquired or produced.
- Decide on textbook adoptions at least 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
- Publish the information on your website so students can get to it even if you're not available.
- Consider using a textbook for at least two years.
- When a student with a print disability enrolls, contact DSS for options on converting your text materials.
