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UMSL Alt-Text Login

The University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) works with Mizzou to have textbooks converted into an accessible, digital format for students with the alternative text format accommodation. 

This service ensures that students with print disabilities have equal access to their course materials. There are many methods of accessing text materials in alternate formats.

Log-in to your Alternative Formats Web Page
  • Log into your alternative formats folder with your username (SSO) and password.
  • Bookmark this page for future reference.

 Things to consider when using alternative format:

  • Mizzou processes books each semester for UMSL and Columbia. It is important to get your request in for textbooks as soon as possible.
  • It is common for the term “accessible text” to be confused with the term “electronic text”. Many publishers now offer textbooks in electronic format but the term “electronic” may not necessarily mean the book is “accessible” to students using a text-to-speech or screen reading program.
  • When requesting alternative text, be sure to include your course syllabus.
  • If you need to add or drop a course and have the alternative text accommodations, please understand that it may take time for your newly requested textbook to be converted. 

How to Access your Alternate-Text:

Before Alternate-Text can be accessed, you will need to select a text to speech program.

  • If you are using a Mac/Apple computer/smart phone there are built in accessibility features like VoiceOver screen reader.
  • If you are using a Windows computer there are built in accessibility features like Narrator screen reader. Android smart phones use the TalkBack screen reading feature.
  • TextEdit - a word processor that comes with the Macintosh operating system and it has a text-to-speech tool. No download necessary.

  • NaturalRader - AI text-to-speech program that converts text, PDF, and 20+ formats into spoken audio. Great for documents, ebooks, and school materials. Has online app, mobile app, and Chrome extension. Free!  

  • TextAloud (Free Trial) - Text-to-speech program that converts text into spoken words. Can read email, web page content, and or word processing documents. Also has the ability to convert written text to spoken MP3 or WMA files. Free for trial period, then requires purchase.

  • Read and Write Gold, WindowEyes, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Moo Magnifier:

    • These are not free programs, however they are available on ALL disability workstations on campus, including laptops and PCs available for borrowing for registered students. Each one of these programs are designed to help students achieve through different modes of accessibility (i.e. text-to-speech software, magnification, etc.)

If you find the programs above will not meet your needs, please contact Disability Access Services at (314) 516-5671. We can set up an appointment to discuss other technologies we have for demonstration.


DAS Services for Students

Alternate Text Format

Student Assistance


Disability Access Services logo

 

Location icon  131 Millennium
Student Center

phone icon (314) 516-5671

Fax icon  (314) 516-6561

Portal icon  health.umsl.edu

email icon  das@umsl.edu

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