Obtaining Print Materials in Alternate Format

Follow these steps to request materials in alternative formats through the DSS Portal:

Making Your Request

  1. Access the DSS Portal
    Log in using your student credentials.
  2. Navigate to Alternative Formats
    Under Accommodations in the left navigation menu, select Alternative Formats.
  3. Start Your Request
    Go to the Requests tab and scroll down to find the Reading Material section.
  4. Submit Course Information
    • Click Select Class and choose your course
    • Fill in all required fields for that course
    • Click Submit Request
    • Repeat this process for each additional course needing alternative format materials

Upload Your Receipt

  1. Provide Purchase Documentation
    • Click the Upload Receipt tab (located at the top right of the screen)
    • Complete all required fields
    • Click Upload Receipt when finished

Track Your Request

  1. Monitor Request Status
    Check the Alternate Format tab to view the current status of your requests.
  2. Watch for Updates
    Look for emails from “dss-altbook” in your UD email account for status updates and further instructions.

Important considerations when requesting alternate format materials:

Timeline and Planning

  • DSS works to provide alternative format course materials promptly. To that end, we ask that you manage your accommodation requests accordingly. 
  • To provide students with the best experience and access, please submit your book requests through the DSS Portal at least three weeks before the beginning of classes. Due to the nature of obtaining and converting print materials, this window of time is essential in assuring materials will be ready for the beginning of the semester. We realize that some professors may not have their syllabi ready and/or the required books may not yet be available; however, if the requests are submitted late, DSS cannot guarantee the request will be completed by the start of the semester. 

Finding Course Information

  • A helpful place to find course information and required textbooks is the University of Delaware Bookstore. UD Bookstore website 

Required Documentation

  • Provide proof of purchase (book or rental receipts) for the materials requested and submit a copy of your course syllabus to the DSS Alternate Format Coordinator (dss-altbook@udel.edu) as soon as it is available. The course syllabus is critical so we can prioritize the production of your materials appropriately. 

Unavailable Electronic Formats

  • DSS will notify you when a textbook is unobtainable in electronic format. You will need to submit your textbook to the DSS staff for scanning. We will remove the book’s binding, scan the book into an electronic-alternative format, and rebind your book with spiral binding. Textbooks will be returned once the scanning and rebinding are complete (typically one week). Keep in mind that this does not generally have a negative impact on the resale value of your textbook. 

First Time Software Users

  • If this is your first time using Kurzweil 3000 or other text-to-speech software, you will meet with the Assistive Technology Manager for training including specific instructions on how to download the software to your computer. You will be provided with a username and password and other materials to get you started. 

Support and Questions

  • Any questions can be directed to the DSS office or the Assistive Technology Manager. 
  • It is important to remember that sharing, duplicating, or distributing alternate text media is a violation of federal copyright law and DSS policies. Ignoring this regulation may lead to legal action against the violator, along with potential sanctions or penalties.