Alternate Format Options

1
Alternate Format Options

• An Introduction

Andrew Downie SEO Adaptive Technologies Centre
for Learning Innovation
2
What We Will Cover

• Optical character recognition (OCR)
• Performed by staff
• Performed by students
• Image-only PDF files made accessible
• Text/graphics enlargement
• Hardcopy options
• Computer-based options for students with diverse
  needs

3
What We Will Cover (cont)

• Braille
• Hardcopy
• Electronic Braille displays
• Raised line diagrams
• Audio
• Human readers
• Text to various audio formats
• DAISY books

4
Optical Character Recognition

• Definition Conversion of print on paper into
  computer files
• Equipment Scanner, computer and OCR software
• Material then available via
• Synthetic speech
• Text enlargement software
• Electronic Braille display
• Software for reading difficulties

5
Optical Character Recognition (cont)

• Making image-only PDFs accessible
• Staff may use widely available software and
  hardware
• Students, depending on circumstances, may use
  mainstream or specialised equipment

6
Text/Graphics Enlargement

• Hardcopy options
• Photocopier enlargement
• Larger print from printer
• Video magnifiers
• Computer-based options
• Software for people with reduced vision
• Software for people with reading difficulties

7
Braille Material

• Equipment for hardcopy production
• Braille embosser (or printer)
• Usually translation software
• Bulky 30 characters per line and 27 lines per
  page on A4
• Accuracy problematical without specific knowledge
• Electronic Braille display
• Computer with screen reader
• PDA with Braille display
• Raised line diagrams
• Embosser-based
• Swell paper
• Draftsman

8
Audio Options

• Human readers
• Cassette tapes largely obsolete
• Wide range of sound recording software available
• Save as audio CD or say MP3 files
• Text to audio
• Human-sounding speech now available
• Inexpensive or sophisticated software can be used
• Process can be highly automated, depending on
  material
• DAISY books

9
Contact Details

• Phone [phone]
• Email andrew.downie_at_det.nsw.edu.au
• Website http//www.cli.nsw.edu.au
• Follow link to Focus Areas
• Follow link to Connected Learning
• Follow link to Adaptive Technologies
• Full pathhttp//www.cli.nsw.edu.au/cli/e-learning
  /adaptive_technologies/adaptive_adaptive.shtm
• Adaptive Technologies News and Reviews link from
  that page