Alternative Media Formats
Alternative media formats are file types that present the same content through different means. These formats allow for users to better control their learning experience. Offering alternative formats ties back in with the empowerment point mentioned in the Overview of Accessibility section – with alternative formats, the user decides how they consume content and ultimately how they control their learning experience.
Some examples of alternative formats include:
- Audio version of a lecture
- PDF format for PowerPoints or other documents
- ePub format for a document
- Braille (more information can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind website)
Adaptive Technologies
Adaptive technologies are products, equipment, and services that help users with disabilities access digital content. They work best with materials created while following accessibility best practices.
Example adaptive technologies include:
- Screen readers
- Refreshable braille displays
- Screen magnification applications
- Speech recognition systems
- Closed captioning services
