Typical questions

• • I can't read this PDF using my text recognition software.

• • How do I make my course materials accessible?

Starting points

• • All universities should provide local support for students with special needs. Some libraries also have staff with designated roles. These should be the first point of contact. The resources listed in this section are intended to provide general guidance to supplement these.

• • Questions may come from students who cannot access materials or from staff who need to adapt materials. The first step is always to determine the exact nature of the need. This includes the type of disability and whether the query is technical or legal.

• • Many queries from students relate to inability to read files using text recognition software. The organisations listed below have advice on their websites. Increasingly, free resources may be available to enhance or convert text. It is worth exploring the in-built accessibility features of any equipment already available, e.g. iPad features, via the manufacturer's website. Also useful are apps or browser extensions. Reviews of recommended items are often made on relevant charity websites such as the RNIB (www.rnib.org.uk) and the British Dyslexia Association (bdatech.org).

Recommended resources

Key organisations

ADA Disability Information [Specialist]

www.ada.gov

One of the US's foremost resource sites for disabled people. Provides technical and legal information relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This covers all aspects of daily life including education.

National Union of Students (NUS)

www.nus.org.uk/Campaigns/Disability

Aims to represent and defend the rights of disabled students in the UK. Includes news on civil rights and policy.

Office for Students

www.officeforstudents.org.uk

Independent regulator of higher education in England. Its website offers guidance to students on their rights and financial allowances. It also advises institutions on best practice in promoting inclusivity.

Study guides

SearchBOX [Basic]

www.textboxdigital.com/searchboxhome

Great free service designed to help librarians get accessible content for students. Users can register to search for contact names and addresses for individual publishers. It also provides details on whether they supply books via RNIB Bookshare.

Digital libraries

These offer disabled users access to high quality e-books in a range of formats. They include materials suitable for dyslexic and visually impaired users. Some services may be offered free. Check the websites and local information for eligibility. Note, not all textbooks are currently available so it is worth consulting the publisher and date coverage.