Q: Do I have to pay to have my material converted into an accessible format?
A: No, students and employees found eligible for scanning services are provided the service free of charge. Eligibility is determined by the ODS counselors if you are a student and the ADA Coordinator if you are an employee.
Q: Do I have to purchase my own copy of the required course materials that I need converted into an accessible format?
A: Yes, you must purchase the hard copy of your material that you need converted into an alternative format. Additionally, you also need to provide us with a receipt for the purchase of the material. This is required by publishers in accordance with the Chafee Act. For more information about the Chafee Act, visit: Copyright Law Amendment
Q: Do I have to show receipt for the material I need converted into an alternative format?
A: Yes, most publishing companies require that we provide proof of purchase before they provide material in an electronic format. In addition, Mason needs proof of purchase before scanning material in accordance with the Chafee Act. For more information about the Chafee Act, visit: Copyright Law Amendment
Q: How long does it take for my material to be converted into an accessible format?
A: The CAT Project will make every effort to provide your material in your requested alternative format to you within two weeks from the date we received it in our office. In the event that we cannot convert the entire book, packet, articles, etc. in the standard two week period, we will provide the material to you in installments according to the course syllabus.
Q: What will happen to the hard copy of my book in order to prepare it for conversion into an accessible format?
A: To scan printed material into an electronic format, we need to remove the binding from your books. Once the book has been successfully converted, we will have a plastic comb binding put on the book.
Q: Do I have to register with the CAT Project before I can request my material in an accessible format?
A: Yes, you must qualify for services and be registered with the CAT project before we can provide you with material in an alternative format. Once you are registered with ODS, speak with an ODS counselor to activate the referral process. For an appointment please call 703-993-2474.
Q: What types of material can I have converted into an accessible format?
A: The CAT Project will convert only required course material into an alternative format. This includes text books, reading packets, e-reserve material, texts, exams, quizzes, etc. Due to the high demand for scanning services, we are not able to scan materials that are determined to be recommended as specified on the course syllabus.
Q: Are plastic comb bindings the only type of binding that can be put on my book after the CAT Project is finished converting it?
A: Yes, currently we are limited to plastic comb binding. You have the option of receiving the book back without a replacement binding, which will allow you to choose a different type of binding. Kinkos offers several different types of binding at a cost to you. They are located in the University Mall Shopping Center. You can contact them at (703) 691-9011.
Q: Where, on campus, can I access assistive technology software to read my accessible material?
A: We are working diligently to provide assistive technology software in all of the academic labs on campus. Currently there are AT stations in the libraries on all campuses. For a listing of technology and locations available visit: Accessible Library Services
Q: What accessible text formats can be provided to me?
A: The CAT Project can provide textbooks and course packets in the following formats: WYNN Wizard, MS-Word and PDF. In addition to the formats listed above, quizzes and exams and other small documents can also be provided in large print or Braille with prior arrangements.
