Alternative to Print Materials
Alternative To Print (ATP) materials are versions of printed or electronic documents that have been converted to an accessible format for use by students with print or perceptual disabilities.
A print or perceptual disability is defined under the Canadian Copyright Act (Section 32(1)), as:
"a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading or hearing a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work in its original format, and includes such a disability resulting from:
a. Severe or total impairment of sight or hearing or the inability to focus or move one's eyes
b. The inability to hold or manipulate a book, or
c. An impairment relating to comprehension"
Eligibility for ATP materials is determined by a student’s Accessibility Counsellor.
Eligible students have two options for obtaining ATP materials:
1. Purchase the EPUB version of the required documents
a. EPUB files are a common format that may be cheaper than print books and some can be rented
b. EPUB files may be compatible with Text-to-Speech tools like Kurzweil and Natural Reader
c. Two common sources for purchasing EPUB books are: VitalSource Bookshelf and RedShelf
2. Complete the Request for Alternate Format Print Material form when,
a. You are unable to find your book in an EPUB format and must purchase a print version
b. The EPUB format purchased does not support your disability related needs
c. You have chosen to purchase a print version of the book
Please Note:
- When filling out the Request for Alternative to Print Material form, you will be required to submit your receipt confirming ownership of the requested book(s). A confirmation of order or shipping notice is NOT a receipt
- When your electronic files are ready, you will receive an email to your UWO email with a link to download your book files through NextCloud
- Requests can take several weeks to process. Please complete the above steps as soon as possible. Incomplete requests will delay the process
- If a publisher is unable to supply an electronic version of your book, ACSD may request to manually scan it by removing the spine and re-binding with Cerlox binding afterwards
- All materials are intended for your personal use only. Electronic materials may not be redistributed to other persons.
Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE Portal)
Students who require library materials in an Alternate Format should request an ACE token (a unique password) by emailing alternativetoprint@kings.uwo.ca.
This token will allow you to search the Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE Portal). The ACE Portal is a repository of library books that have been digitized and made available in accessible formats. If the Western Libraries material that is needed is not available in the ACE Portal, students are asked to submit an online request form, or print a request form and return it to the library circulation desk. As digitization requests require processing time, ensure you plan ahead.
If you have questions in regards to obtaining Alternative to Print materials, please email alternativetoprint@kings.uwo.ca.
If you have questions or need assistance with your Assistive Technology, please schedule an appointment with our Assistive Technologist by visiting Wemple Room 151, or calling 519-930-4640.
Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development
King’s University College
266 Epworth Avenue
London, Ontario
N6A 2M3
Wemple Hall, Room 151
t. 519-930-4640
f. 519-963-1013