Alternative Format Materials

Course textbooks and materials can be accessed in a number of ways beyond traditional print on paper. Alternative formats include audio, Braille, DAISY, etext or large print.

Students can find alternative format materials from a variety of sources, including the NU Bookstore, external sources, and the DRC.  We recommend the following process:

  1. Northeastern University Bookstore
    The place to start is the NU Barnes and Noble Bookstore. As you search for your textbooks online, you’ll see that some of them are available for purchase as eTextbooks, or through Nook Study software, which can be downloaded to your computer after you buy them.

    Nook study has built in features that allow you to enlarge the font and listen to many of the books using its text-to-speech function. The software for eTextbooks allows you to enlarge the text for some of the books.
  2. External Sources
    Textbooks are sometimes available through Bookshare.org or LearningAlly.org.  Both services offer individual memberships to students.

    Books are available as audio files or DAISY formats and can be accessed using software that you can purchase and download to your computer from these websites.  Please be sure to consult the websites for these services for information about the technology you’ll need to access their books.
  3. DRC
    DRC staff can assist you with accessing or signing up with any of the resources above. If your textbooks or course materials are not available through one of the resources, the DRC can assist you by requesting PDF versions of books directly from publishers as available, or scanning your books in-house.

 

Alternative format materials requests can take between 4-6 weeks to fulfill from time of request. Students should request materials as soon as possible after registering for classes to help ensure their materials are ready in time for the new semester.

How to request alternative format materials from the DRC:

  •  Compile a list of course books needed by reviewing syllabi on Blackboard, contacting the professor, or checking with the NU Bookstore;
  • Print the Alternative Format Request Form for each text you are requesting;
  • Submit the request form, along with receipt for purchase of texts, to the DRC;
  • Check NU e-mail for notification of materials being ready for you to pick-up.

To access and submit the Alternative Format Request Form please visit our Forms page.

Questions regarding alternative format materials requests may be directed to Richard Allegra, DRC Specialist (r.allegra@neu.edu or 617-373-8167).

NU offers Read & Write GOLDTM, a powerful, multifunction, text reading and writing program for use by students. Read & Write GOLDTM is available through myApps and all NUNET computers on campus. Contact the DRC for information and training.