Alternative Formats & Training

The Center for Accessible Technology (CAT) produces alternative formats for curriculum requirements only and formats are determined by individual student need and the ability to provide the curriculum material in the desired format. Possible alternative media formats include Braille, E-text (electronic text), EPUB, Bookshare and large print. 

Tutorials for how to request books, open E-textbooks in Read & Write and Natural Reader, how to open an EPUB book and how to use Bookshare or Vitalsource can be found on the CAT Tutorial page. 

Students with prescribed alternative formats for curriculum material must schedule a virtual appointment with a CAT staff member to receive alternative format training. Students can schedule an appointment by visiting the Appointment page. 

Appointments must be scheduled with an SJSU email address, show a student’s first name, last name and have a note about what type of software they want to learn. Appointments made with a non-SJSU email address will be canceled.

While returning students may bypass this step in the semesters that follow their initial CAT training, returning students can schedule a follow-up appointment by visiting the Appointment page. 

Students utilizing CAT's alternative formats services can view FAQ for steps on requesting and using alternative formats. Students can visit the AEC's E-Agreements to view CAT Alternative Format Contract.