Who is eligible to receive your services?
Individuals enrolled in or accepted to one of the University System of Georgia’s 34 public colleges or universities and documented with a print-related disability are eligible to receive their course materials in alternative formats. Disability service providers and faculty in the University System of Georgia who serve students with documented print-related disabilities are eligible to receive training and support.
How do I request a textbook in an alternate format?
Your disability service provider (DSP) is your first point of contact regarding the procurement of alternative media. After you have submitted your list of required course materials and syllabi to him/her and signed appropriate copyright agreements, the DSP will contact us with your requests.
Into what formats can my materials be converted?
AMAC can convert your course materials to audio CD, Braille, or electronic files (e-files).
How much does it cost?
AMAC services are free to eligible individuals at member institutions. Your institution pays for AMAC services.
How long will it be before I receive my materials?
Generally, we complete requests in the order in which they are received and according to the course schedule on your class syllabi. Certain arrangements can be made for emergency situations, but otherwise we ask that you allow us up to 3 weeks to convert or procure your course materials from the time your DSP contacts us with your requests.
Can I request books for leisure reading?
As we are an educational organization affiliated with the University System’s Board of Regents, AMAC only provides conversions of required post-secondary course materials such as textbooks, course packets, etc.
Do I have to own a computer?
While it is certainly acceptable to utilize your school’s computer lab to access your online materials, we encourage a personal computer if you wish to be able to access them 24/7. However, if your financial situation prevents the purchase of a personal computer, it is recommended that you contact the Georgia recycling computer program, ReBoot by calling 770-934-8432.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices which enhance a particular functional activity for an individual. Some examples of AT include screen readers and talking dictionaries.
What if I don’t know how to use Assistive Technology?
AMAC will provide you with the necessary training to effectively use assistive technology. Tutorials are available on our website, and you can also contact us directly for one-on-one support. In addition, the Georgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT) has an online library of videos at http://coefaculty.valdosta.edu/spe/ATRB/Video_Tips.htm that will help you understand more about particular AT devices and aids.
How long can I keep my converted materials?
In accordance with copyright law, any materials you receive physically (e.g., RFB&D CDs) must be returned immediately after your final exams for that semester. Also, any materials you receive electronically and save to your computer must be erased from your hard drive after your final exams. If we have made e-files available to you online, we will cease your access to such files at the end of the semester.
Can I share my materials with friends or classmates?
Again, in accordance with copyright law, you are not allowed to share any of your converted materials with anyone, even if they have a print-related disability. We offer services on an individual basis, through one’s disability service provider.
audio book: recording of a book on tape (analog) or CD (digital), usually by a live human voice.
Braille: system of printing for people who are blind or visually impaired, in which varied arrangements of raised dots on paper representing letters and numbers are identified by touch.
e-file: abbreviation for electronic file (also called e-text); e-files are created in computer programs, such as Microsoft Word.
OCR system: optical character recognition software which interprets scanned material into an e-file that can then be read via a speech synthesizer.
screen magnifier: either a physical magnifier for computer screens or a software program for electronic text which enlarges what the user is reading.
screen reader: software which transforms written text into spoken words via a speech synthesizer; text can be read back at various levels, according to settings (e.g., word, sentence, line, etc.).
tactile graphics: diagrams and other graphic images represented on paper by raised dots and lines.
variable speech control tape recorders (VSC): portable playback units that enable the user to play back taped material slower or faster than the recording rate without affecting intelligibility or pitch.