Svetlana and the Inaccessible Textbook w/video description

The 2nd version with video description of the very short story of one student's encounter with an unreadable textbook. Produced by Molly Sirois.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• disability
• blind
• e-text
• textbook
• accessibility
• education

[sarahsmithwriter]

Access for all is a right, but every Pearson textbook can ALREADY be requested in digital format. Svetlana's college disability office should be aware of this already, even if she isn't. Disability office personnel must make the request, to prevent files of textbooks getting into unauthorized hands.

[mollysmsn]

@sarahsmithwriter  Yes, you are right that Pearson will receive requests for their textbooks in digital format. And yes, the disability office is aware of this. We are also aware "that it may take 2-3 weeks for you to receive the electronic file" as cited on Pearson's website for requesting electronic files. That was 2-3 weeks too many for Svetlana.

[njbrand]

@sarahsmithwriter And, sometimes, it's far longer than "2-3 weeks." Why not make it available as an option right away as in ordering from bookstore or online just as any other student can do? And, in an accessible format... not the proprietary or flash-based ebook? Say like... Ohhhh I don't know... text file? DAISY format?

[ejpyatt]

@njbrand FWIW, Here's the rub for the publisher. If an unprotected digital version is sold openly through the bookstore, an unethical student (probably sighted) could just post the digital version online. They will never do it.

The one e-textbook initiative I was involved in required students to purchase a Passcode in the booksore (OK), and then use it to unlock an encrypted PDF. But passcode systems can be inaccessible unless properly designed.

[njbrand]

@ejpyatt No, I believe you! I work with the publishers on behalf of "print-based disabled" college students. Most students who need the accessible format books would willingly pay for their books at the same time as their classmates, not wait until the semester has progressed so far that it may mean the difference between passing and failing. I'd be more paranoid about those students, or anyone for that matter, digitizing any book and posting it free gratis for anyone to use.

[ejpyatt]

@njbrand Believe it or not, textbook publishers are paranoid that a visually impaired student might post a digital copy online, making it "free" for everyone. While this may be a valid concern, a 2-3 week turnaround is still unacceptable. I would like to see the publishers send a digital copy to the bookstore or Library so that it could be on hand for those who need it.

I know the publishers are also working on their own e-texts, but these are password protected and not necessarily accessible.

[njbrand]

@mollysmsn

[disability1977]

Awesome!