The problem is that publishers won't necessarily have a Word version
of their publications as this isn't what they use for typesetting etc.
A PDF is the best you are likely to get. See the TechDis "Guide to
Obtaining Publications in Alternative Formats" -
http://www.techdis.ac.uk/getaltformat.
Many PDF files can be read by screenreaders now, but some still
cannot. TechDis have a guide to "Making the most of PDFs" -
http://www.techdis.ac.uk/resources/sites/accessibilityessentials4/index.html.
Luckily there are a lot of programs now that can convert PDF files to
other formats that are more accessible. I use OmniPage to convert the
PDF to Word. It doesn't work for all things e.g. mathematics, but it
is quite good. My university uses it too and recommended it to me.
I've also used OpenBook which is also good but more expensive I think.
Emma
On 18/08/2008, Tim Symons <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Or, you can use Read & Write Gold.
>
>
>
> Instead of scanning directly from the scanner, you can scan from a file,
> such as a PDF (or even bitmaps/jpegs) and the program will OCR the text into
> a word doc for you.
>
>
>
> In addition, you can choose *which part* of the PDF you wish to scan. Say
> you have a 300 page journal, but you only want pages 50-75. Read & Write
> allows you to just choose those pages.
>
>
>
> Give it a go – very easy to use! And the accuracy is fantastic.
>
>
>
> Tim Symons
>
> Trainer/Assessor
>
> Access Summit... supporting students.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Morris,
> Simon
> Sent: 18 August 2008 15:44
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: books in electronic format
>
>
>
>
> Hi Brigid,
>
>
>
> I have had some experience with this. You have a couple of option.
>
>
>
> 1. Some screen readers, such as Zoom Text have a Doc reader and an App
> reader. The App reader can often read the PDF document without conversion.
>
> 2. You could contact the RNIB Transcription service, who may be able to
> convert the book into Word for you, though they are often very busy, and it
> does take time. If however you have a reading list now, you may be able to
> get the books for the start of term. You can get funding for this via DSA's
> also.
>
> 3. If you contact the transcription service they may already have the
> books converted!
>
>
>
> If I think of anything else I will get in touch.
>
>
>
>
> Simon Morris
>
> North East Higher Skills Network,
>
> University of Teesside, Borough Road,
>
> Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS1 3BA
>
>
>
> Tel: 01642 738401
>
> Mobile: 07500 126509
>
> Fax: 01642 384263
>
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
> Website: www.nehsn.com
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan,
> Brigid
> Sent: 18 August 2008 15:30
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: books in electronic format
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
>
>
> I am trying to get academic books in electronic format – specifically Word
> format for a blind student. The screen reader only 'reads' word, however the
> publishers are sending me everything in PDF. When I get our I.T bods to
> convert into word, it comes out skew whiff as it is removing pictures and
> so; all the text moves about and overlaps and it is basically illegible. I
> am enlisting the help of the RNIB now, but this is driving me mad as no one
> is giving me the publications in Word. Has anyone had experience with this?
> Is there anything else you can think of I should try? Please respond off
> list [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> ***********************************************************
> Brigid Callaghan
> Disability Adviser
> Student Services
> University of Bolton
> Deane Rd
> Bolton
> BL3 5AB
> [log in to unmask]
> To make an appointment: 01204 903733.
> Direct line: 01204 903803
> Minicom: 01204 903490
>
> Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save the
> planet.
> ***********************************************************
>
>
--
Emma Jane Rowlett (née Wright)
School of Sociology and Social Policy
University of Nottingham
[log in to unmask]
www.accessingmaterials.org.uk
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