Alternate Media Facilitator (AMF)
What does an AMF do?
I work with faculty members who have a
student with a disability, so they can provide class handouts and exams in an
accessible format, such as Braille, tactile graphics, audio taped text, or
electronic text
(e-text). If you have a student with a disability who would benefit from
having their class handouts, exams, or textbooks produced in an alternate
format, please refer him or her to the DSPS Department. You may also
contact me directly at kwhitten@cuesta.edu.
I work with faculty and staff to make our web pages available to
both students and the general population. A new federal regulation, Section 508, requires that
information be accessible to all people. As an example, if a web page
includes an picture, there needs to be a caption or "ALT tag"
describing the image. The ALT tag can be read by a screen reading
program, allowing a blind individual to learn what is in the picture.
I work with faculty members to make sure that the video tapes they use
are available with closed captions. These captions allow students with
auditory disabilities to read on the screen what is being spoken or
narrated on the video. Cuesta College has a captioning project underway.
If you would like to add your course video tapes to the captioning list,
please contact me or fill out the online captioning request form.
I prepare materials in alternate formats for students with disabilities.
I accept student requests for textbooks, class handouts, exams, and course
videotapes in alternate formats.
I teach Flex Activities on Alternate Technology
and web accessibility.
When am I here?
My office is located in the High Tech Center,
room 3328. You are welcome to drop by to see me, or call me at extension
2825, or send me an e-mail.
Kelly's work schedule:
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| 8:30 a.m. - noon |
8:30 a.m. - noon |
8:30 a.m. - noon |
8:30 a.m. - noon |
8:30 a.m. - noon |
| 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
12:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
12:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
12:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
12:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
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Links for Instructors
Links for Students
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Alternate Media at Cuesta College
Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) provides alternate media for
students with verified disabilities for required textbooks, course materials,
exams, other print materials, and video tapes.
What is alternate media?
- Print materials are converted into electronic text, such as Microsoft
Word or Adobe PDF files.
- Print materials are translated into Braille.
- Print materials are recorded onto audiotape, either by a person reading
the text, or by a computer generating synthetic speech as MP3 files.
- Diagrams and figures are embossed to allow people with vision limitations
to feel the images.
- Videotapes are edited to include closed captions.
How does a student request alternate media?
- A DSPS Specialist or Counselor verifies the disability, determines the need,
and authorizes the appropriate type of alternate media. This must be done annually.
- All services are requested at the DSPS Support Services Reception Desk.
- The student fills out the "Request for Alternate Media" form or the Request
for Taped Texts" form and turns it in at the DSPS Support Services Desk.
How long does it take to obtain alternate media?
- It usually takes about 2 days from the time a student submits a request until he or she receives a course syllabus, course handout, or other short document in an alternate format.
- Tactile diagrams take 2 to 5 days.
- Closed-captioned videotapes take 1 to 2 weeks.
- Textbooks take longer, between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on the size of the book and the format needed. Students are encouraged to submit Alternate Media Requests as soon as they register for classes.
- Production times may be faster or slower depending on the number of requests each semester.
Who creates alternate media?
- The Alternate Media Facilitator (AMF), Kelly Whitten, creates electronic text, Braille, tactile diagrams, and closed-captioned videotapes. The AMF arranges to obtain some materials from the ATPC.
- The Alternative Text Production Center (ATPC) in Ventura obtains electronic text from some textbook publishers, and creates electronic text and Braille.
- The Support Services Coordinator arranges for volunteer readers to record books on audiotape.
What else does the Alternate Media Facilitator do?
- The AMF works with faculty members who have students with disabilities, so they can provide class handouts and exams in an accessible format in a timely manner.
- The AMF works with faculty and staff to make our campus web pages accessible to everyone, including students with disabilities.
- The AMF works with faculty members to make sure that the videotapes they use are available with closed captions.
- The AMF provides training to faculty and staff on Assistive Technology and web accessibility.
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