Alternative Media

We assist in the creation of textbooks, instructional materials, and other printed information converted to alternate formats such as Braille, large print, or electronic text.

How can I receive alternative media services?

Students must be authorized to receive textbooks in an alternative format (i.e. e-text, Braille, large print) by their DSPS Counselor.

If this accommodation has been authorized for you, the following process must be utilized for receiving the alternative media:

New Students

1. Review and sign the BC Alternative Media Policies and Procedures document. This is a fillable online form completed the same way as your BC DSPS New to Service Packet. No need to print this form. Be sure to not skip the last step of confirming your signature. Your form will not be provided back to the Alternative Media Office and can delay your request for textbooks.
2. As soon as possible after registering for an upcoming semester, you will need to complete an Alternative Media Request Form.
   • You may add 5 books to the form. If you are requesting more than 5 books you will need to submit an additional form.
   • Use abbreviated course titles (i.e., ENGL B1A, HIST B17A).
   • Book information is not required to submit your request.
   • You can obtain your booklist online at the BC Bookstore.
   • When the campus is open, you can meet with the Bookstore Manager or instructor to get the book title, author, ISBN#, etc. for the form.
   • IMPORTANT: If you are submitting your request up to 2 weeks before the start of the semester you may be asked to provide a course syllabus or reading schedule.

Once an alternative media request is received, formatted, and reviewed, you will be contacted by Alternative Media staff. You will be asked to provide your proof of ownership document(s) and will book an appointment to complete Kurzweil training.

The proof of ownership document(s) must be received before your requested alt format can be released to you. Email your proof of ownership document(s) to altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Contact the Alternate Media staff by phone (661) 395-4219, email altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu, or zoom for any questions

Returning Students

1. Submit an Alternative Media Request Form as soon as possible. This request is best submitted at the time of priority registration.
   • You may add 5 books to the form. If you are requesting more than 5 books you will need to submit an additional form.
   • Use abbreviated course titles (i.e., ENGL B1A, HIST B17A).
   • Book information is not required to submit your request.
   • You can obtain your booklist online at the BC Bookstore.
   • When the campus is open, you can meet with the Bookstore Manager or instructor to get the book title, author, ISBN#, etc. for the form.
   • IMPORTANT: If you are submitting your request up to 2 weeks before the start of the semester you may be asked to provide a course syllabus or reading schedule.

When will I receive my materials?

Alternate Media is completed both in-house and requested from the Alternate Text Production Center (ATPC). The general time frame for all textbooks is between 2 to 6 weeks.

• If a book is available in-house, completed from another semester, or an earlier request by another student, 1-2 weeks.
• If a book is available through ATPC, approximately 2 to 6 weeks to receive. Books received from the ATPC may not be immediately available as additional formatting is often needed.
• If a book is unavailable through ATPC, other resources will be explored. This will be approximately 2 to 6 weeks.
• If a book is not currently available in electronic format through any of these resources, you have the following options:
  • Give your book to the Alternate Media staff so it can be converted through a high-speed scanning process. If you choose this option, your book will have the binding removed, leaving the pages unattached. Note: Upon request, you can have all unattached pages 3-hole punched for easy placement into a binder or plastic comb binding.
  • Use one of the flatbed scanners located in the High Tech Center (HTC) to scan your book independently. This may require some instruction in the use of specific hardware and software applications.

If you have any questions regarding your alternate media formats or general questions, contact Alternate Media Staff by phone (661) 395-4219, email altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu, or zoom.

What is Kurzweil?

Kurzweil is a Text-to-Speech Assistive Technology program provided to Alternative Media students at no cost. This web-based program is where you will access your audio textbooks with a visual component. This means the screen will display your textbook page and highlight words as they are being read aloud. You will be provided a username and a password after you have submitted your proof of ownership document(s) to the Alternative Media Office.

This program also has a Read The Web extension for Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Chrome which allows you to have web content (i.e. News websites, CANVAS) read aloud. If you would like instructions on how to install this feature please contact the Alternative Media Office via e-mail and indicate which web browser you will be using (Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome).

NOTE: To use Read-the-Web you will need to have an approved Assistive Technology Accommodation from a DSPS counselor as well as a username and password provided by the Alternative Media Office.

Contact Us!

Phone: (661) 395-4334 (V/TTY) | Fax: (661) 395-4079 | dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu | Location: Center for Student Success (CSS) 10