Accessible Print-Based Services (APBS)

Jump to: Requirements | Accessible Electronic Text | Braille, Formatting for a Screen Reader, and Other Formats

The Accessible Print-Based Service (APBS) helps you acquire print-based course materials and textbooks in the format you need, such as accessible digital text (works with software to read aloud), large print, Braille, etc. If you need APBS, contact the CAL as early as possible, as this service takes time.

Requirements for APBS

In order to receive alternative format text, you must:

  • Register with the CAL.
  • Meet with a Disabilities Counsellor.
  • Provide documentation supporting a print-based disability.
  • Meet with an Assistive Technologist to identify the accessible formats you need.
  • Own the textbooks and materials you need to have converted.
  • Provide proof of ownership of the materials.

Accessible Electronic Text

Complete the following steps to request accessible text versions of books or course materials. If you require assistance accessing your timetable or book list, contact the CAL AT Lab at callabmonitor@algonquincollege.com.

Hard Copy Books

Print your name and student number on the inside of the front cover. Bring the book to the CAL AT Lab in E303.

Electronic Books

Provide proof of purchase of the book(s), which includes: title, edition, author, publisher, and ISBN.

Course Materials (Lesson Notes, Assignments, etc.)

Provide copies of your course material(s) to the CAL AT Assistant by emailing callabmonitor@algonquincollege.com

Once Your Material is Requested

  • Your material will be ready in an accessible PDF format within 5 business days. If your material is not available in an electronic format, we will need to scan your material.
  • You will be notified by e-mail when your material is ready.
  • Bring a USB stick that has at least 2GB of storage space.
  • You must sign a Permission Agreement for each book/material.

Braille, Formatting for a Screen Reader, and Other Formats

Please note: This request may take up to 4 weeks to complete.

Complete the following steps to request Braille or screen reader formatting for textbooks or other course materials that you own.

  • Follow the steps for requesting Accessible Electronic Text
  • A reading list for the courses in which these materials are used is required! Contact your Program Coordinator or Professor and request the Course Section Information (CSI) for the course.
  • You will be contacted by the CAL AT Lab when your material is ready.

On occasion, publishers do not provide e-copies of books when we request them. It may also take a while for publishers to respond to our requests. These things are outside of the CAL’s control. At any time, you can choose to have a textbook scanned and processed using optical character recognition software.

Getting Your Material Scanned

Bring your book or course material to the CAL AT Lab in E303 and ask to have it scanned. We strive to have the scanning process done in 7 days. Please note:

  • Books that are scanned will not be as accurate as books that are provided in e-copy by the publishers.
  • Scanning a book requires that the spine be removed from the book, and that the book will be rebound with a cover and a spiral binding. Depending on the thickness of the book, the book may return bound in more than one volume.
  • You agree to the cutting and rebinding of the book.
  • It is your responsibility to notify the CAL AT Lab when you wish to have a book scanned.

The CAL AT Lab will email you when you can pick up your book/material, and when the accessible version of the book/material is ready for pick-up.