Alternative to Print Materials
Eligibility for alternate format print materials is determined by your Accessibility Counsellor. A print disability or a "perceptual disability" is defined under the Canadian Copyright Act (Section 32(1)), as :
"a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading or hearing a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work in its original format, and includes such a disability resulting from:
a. Severe or total impairment of sight or hearing or the inability to focus or move one's eyes
b. The inability to hold or manipulate a book, or
c. An impairment relating to comprehension"
There are options for you to access Alternate Format Print Material:
1. EPUB has become a common file format for electronic academic publications. EPUB formats are generally cheaper than print textbooks, and in some instances, you have the ability to rent the book instead of buying it. EPUB format reflows the text to fit your screen when the font is increased, no matter what size screen you are using. EPUB files are generally compatible with your computer screen reader, as well as Text-to-Voice software such as Kurzweil. You are strongly encouraged to explore the following sites where you can purchase EPUB books:
2. In the event that you cannot find your book in an accessible EPUB format, or you have purchased a hard copy textbook that you require an alternative format, please complete the following steps outlined below:
- Complete the Request for Alternate Format Print Material form.
- Receipts must be for brand new books, not used books. Please note: a confirmation of order is NOT a receipt
- When your electronic files are ready, you will be emailed (to your UWO email) a link to download your book files through NextCloud.
This process can take several weeks, and as such, we recommend that students complete the above steps as soon as possible. Incomplete requests will delay the production of requested materials, so please ensure that you provide all of the necessary information, and your receipts.
Accessibility Services may need to request that you drop off your textbook if a publisher does not have an electronic file available. If this is the case, the spine of your textbook will be removed, and will be re-bound with a plastic coil binding.
Please note: All materials are intended for your personal use only; electronic materials may not be redistributed to other persons.
Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE Portal)
All students who are eligible for alternate format print materials as determined by their Accessibility Counsellor, qualify for access to the ACE Portal. You will be issued an ACE token (a unique password) at the beginning of the year. This will give you access to library books in accessible formats.
The ACE portal contains over 14,500 books across 20 different subject areas, and provides books in five (5) different accessible formats. More information about ACE can be found at ACE. Here you will find numerous videos and tutorials that will assist you in accessing the ACE portal.
If you have questions in regards to obtaining alternate format print materials, please email alternativetoprint@kings.uwo.ca
If you have questions and/or concerns regarding technology, please schedule an appointment with our Assistive Technologist by visiting Wemple Room 151, or calling 519-433-3491 ext. 7800.
Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development
King’s University College
266 Epworth Avenue
London, Ontario
N6A 2M3
Wemple Hall, Room 151
t. 519-433-3491 ext. 7800
f. 519-963-1013