Checking if copies exist

How do I check if accessible copies are already available?

o Keep notes on your efforts to obtain a suitable copy commercially

If you are challenged down the track, you can demonstrate that you tried to get a suitable copy before producing your own.

o Contact the publisher

To locate publishers, search the Internet for their website, or contact the Australian Publishers Association.

o Contact Copyright Express at the Copyright Agency Limited

o Contact Copyright Agency Limited (CAL)

Ask CAL to check their database of materials that have been converted into alternative formats (different from Copyright Express). CAL are very keen to build their database, so when you have converted something, let them know.

o Ask your librarian

Your librarian can search the Kinetica database – a national library resource, and advise on any other services that might be able to help.

o Contact Qld Narrating Service to check if they have previously recorded the work.

o Send a message out to other disability support practitioners via the austed list.

o Search the database of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) at www.visway.org.au. Information on the library itself is available at http://www.rvib.org.au/services/library/libraryserv.shtml

o Try Education Queensland’s Alternative Format Resource Collection http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/learning/students/disabilities/resources/altresources.html

o Check on the internet for suppliers.

A list of online suppliers of etext, audio and Braille books is provided in Appendix A.

Overseas Libraries and Producers

w Texas Text Exchange

The TTE is a web-based digital library of electronic books for exclusive use by students with disabilities. It was designed to reduce duplication of effort amongst higher education providers in the United States and Canada. This service is available to us here. For a membership form and more information go to http://tte.tamu.edu/

w Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

As its title suggests, this organisation produces audio recordings for people who cannot effectively read standard print due to a visual, perceptual, or physical disability. This organisation can sell materials to overseas members. A membership form and other information is available at http://www.rfbd.org/

w Alternate Format Textbook and Educational Materials Resources

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/afatt2.htm

Information on many producers of materials in alternative formats in USA. It could be worth a try if you believe the text you are after could have been converted overseas.

w Alternate Media Listserv

You can join this email list at http://htclistserv.htctu.fhda.edu/read/all_forums/

and ask members if they have the resources you seek.

This site is a working draft only! For more information on this project, send an email to: unidesign@optusnet.com.au