Course Materials in Accessible Formats

Course Reading Material

The Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) arranges for the production of course reading material in the accessible formats of Braille, audio and electronic text.

• Overview
• Procedure for requesting Accessible Format Course Reading
• Copyright Guidelines for assisting people with a print disability

Overview

It is University policy that course materials are available 4 weeks prior to semester, which allows time for conversion into an accessible format. The DLU will endeavour to convert print reading materials into an accessible format allowing you the opportunity to review this material before being used in class. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to access your preferred format in a timely manner if you have not communicated your requirements clearly or if there has been a delay in the DLU receiving these materials from your teaching staff.

If you require accessible format course reading, it is essential to inform the DLU’s Accessible Format Officer as soon as possible. We recommend 12 weeks notice prior to semester, so that the DLU can be fully aware of your needs and assist you in accessing relevant teaching and/or administrative staff. Experience tells us that students who are proactive in personally communicating their requirements to the DLU and teaching staff have timely access to core and incidental reading materials

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Procedures for requesting Accessible Format Course Reading

1. Make an appointment with a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) to discuss your individual study needs. Read the section titled DLU Services.
2. Your DLO will refer you to the Accessible Format Officer in the DLU. Meet with the Accessible Format Officer to identify accessible format requirements.
3. Prior to each semester provide a list of subject names and codes, and research your required reading lists via the Student Information System (SIS).
4. The DLU may provide materials already available in accessible format.
5. The DLU may arrange for conversion of materials from print into accessible format.
   • You may be required to provide print copies of texts for conversion.
   • If audio materials are being recorded, you may be asked to become a member of the National Information Library Service.
6. To receive accessible format materials you must acknowledge the following undertaking: "I agree to abide by the normal copyright regulations which also apply to accessible format materials (such as audio, large-print, Braille, and digital copies of textbooks or reading materials). Such materials provided to me by the University will be used solely for the purposes of my studies at The University of Melbourne. Further, I will not disseminate any part of this material in any format to any other person and undertake, where requested, to return this material to the relevant Library or to destroy this material upon completion of the study for which it is being used."
7. Students must notify the DLU immediately when they withdraw from any units or courses.

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