McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
It is our policy and procedure to meet with individuals with visual accessibility needs to discuss their academic adjustments and needs. Approved accommodations for students with visual disabilities include note takers, extended test time, a distraction-reduced testing environment, oral testing if preferred, scribe services/transcribe services for tests, and the option to record lectures. For students who require their books in an accessible format, we offer alternative text formats such as text-to-speech, electronic formats such as E-text, and books in large print.
It is important that the student notifies the Office of Accessibility Services in a timely fashion when requesting alternative text formatting. The student is responsible for providing a receipt for the purchased textbook. We contact various agencies, starting with the publisher, when accommodating alternative formatting. All textbook requests need to be made in a timely fashion. If it is an in-house written book, it may take longer for the publisher to accommodate requests. We may have to locate alternative sources to make the text accessible and/or available.
We can offer books in alternative formats through the publishers from agencies that we subscribe to. Students are responsible for purchasing their books like every other student. Most publishers have an area on their website for alternative format requests. Often, this service is free as long as proof of purchase is provided. Students must produce a paid receipt for the text they are requesting in another format. Most books are now available in electronic format and are sent to the Director of Accessibility Services by electronic email. Students are required to purchase a thumb drive so that the director can transfer their books to the drive for them.
Ms. Anna Grace Bizzle is an Academic Advisor for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University. Her favorite part of advising at McNeese is being a resource for students as they get used to the expectations of college and helping students pursue their degrees at such a wonderful school.