Textbook Accessibility Mitchell Jones Mike Mitchum Mike Suit

Textbook Accessibility Mitchell Jones, Mike Mitchum, Mike Suit June 5, 2019

Learning Objectives • Identify the different types of digital textbooks and their publishers/sources • Understand the ways users interact with the different types of textbooks • Identify potential barriers to use with different types • Become aware of resources on campus to assist you in choosing the right types of content to create access

When/How Digital Textbooks are Used • Available in almost any course – – – Digital “E-Book” versions of physical texts Publisher Learning Platforms PDFs Scanned book chapters Journal Articles and Library Resources

How AT users interact with Electronic Textbooks • Assistive Technology (AT) users have the same uses for these readings, but use them in different ways – – Magnification Keyboard/Gesture/Speech-to-Text (STT) Only Text-to-Speech (TTS) Screen Readers

QUICK TIP! • Always allow students to purchase and use the format of text they need – Some professors require students purchase print or deny access to devices in class. Students are not required disclose their disability, and cannot be denied access to their devices in order to participate in learning and class activities!

Accommodations • Students may require more alteration to reading materials beyond basic accessibility – Accessibility Resources – Accommodation Form • “Digital Readings, ” or “Readings in Digital Format”

Types of E-Books

Digital “E-Books” • Many print books are also available in electronic format from various publishers and distributors • Generally accessible • Examples: – Kindle, Adobe Digital Editions, Vital Source Bookshelf, i. Tunes/i. Books, Google Play Books, E-PUB

A Note on E-Pubs • Essentially an HTML (website) document that is viewed in special browsers called e-Readers (such as i. Books or Microsoft Edge) • Always a good choice as users can use their own e-reading apps such as Dolphin or Voice. Dream that are built for accessibility

Table of E-Book Accessibility Name of App Keyboard/ Gesture Screen Reader Native TTS Compatibility Kindle Yes Most Major Limited None Adobe Digital Editions Mostly Most Major None Vital Sources Book. Shelf Yes Most Major Robust None i. Books Yes Voice. Over (Mac. OS, i. OS) Robust None Google Play Books Yes Most Major Limited None

Publisher Learning Platforms • Web based systems that are usually integrated into Black. Board/Canvas/other LMS • May have a book component, as well as test/quiz, and study aids • May be accessible in some areas, but are generally not accessible, though some are better than others, and some only in certain contexts (e. g. internet browser, mobile/desktop, Mac/PC)

Example Publisher Learning Platforms • Pearson My. Labs – Generally not accessible – Incompatible with most common screen readers, and not accessible to keyboard-only – Will require extensive alternative options for AT users • Mc. Graw-Hill Connect – Mostly Accessible – Some issues with consistency across publications • Sage Courses/Coursepacks – Generally accessible – Issues with consistency across publications • Macmillan Learning – First ever publisher to receive “Accessibility Certification”

PDFs • Portable Document Format; common file type, used for universal compatibility/usability • Not inherently inaccessible, but must be made accessible – Can be a long and difficult process – Never assume a PDF is accessible – Don’t consider a PDF because students cannot “edit” them • They can… • Other formats such as HTML are also “safe, ” but are inherently more accessible and usable

Library Resources & Scanned Documents • Scanned documents are not accessible – Generally a poor experience for all learners – The library can assist you find a more appropriate/more accessible/lower cost to student alternative • Link directly, but make sure they are not also simple scans • Contact a librarian if you think there might be an issue

Textbook Resources on Campus Vital Source Bookshelf, i. Pad Access, Student Accommodation, and Classroom Technology Resources

Vital Sources Bookshelf • • Read Aloud Text-Resizing E-PUB Limitations – App – Titles – Instructor Adoption

Ipad Native Features

Additional Resources • PDF and document accessibility – Accessibility Network at UC • Student Accommodation – Accessibility Resources – Electronic Accessibility • Classroom Technology Resources – Center for Excellence in e. Learning