Which alternative format is best to use?

About each alternative format

Audio: The audio alternative reads aloud the text in the original file. This also includes alternative descriptions for images, if they are provided. The audio format is saved as an MP3. MP3s are compressed, high-quality sound files that can be played on any computer or mobile device. Audio formats fail, if the original document contains more than 100,000 characters. Why use audio? Not only does audio benefit individuals with visual impairments, research has also proven that audio can increase learning (Boyle et al., 2003). 

 Maybe these sound like you. If so, audio is a good option.

• You prefer to listen than read.
• You’re an auditory learner.
• You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
• You have a lot of material to study and find your eyes get tired.
• You study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
• You don’t want to, or can’t, carry print materials for any length of time.
• You have a visual impairment.
• You want to adjust the speed of the audio.
• Most players allow you to adjust playback speed. For example, Windows Media player, VIC, Audacity, and iTunes.

Electronic braille: The electronic braille alternative creates a BRF file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display (RBD), other Braille reading devices, or within a Braille software like Duxbury. Think of a Refreshable Braille Display (RBD) as a monitor-less computer. Most RBDs can connect to internet, create documents, access calendar, and a lot of the basic functionality a computer provides. RBDs be a standalone device. They can also be connected to a smartphone, iPad, or laptop. Most RBDs are limited to reading one line of Braille at a time. Why use electronic braille? While audio is excellent for reading comprehension, those who read braille acquire higher literacy rates on average (Benefits of braille article). With braille, users with visual impairments can know the spelling, punctuation, and format of text on a page.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, electronic braille is a good option.

• You have a visual impairment.
• You are familiar with braille.
• You prefer to read.
• You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.

ePub: The ePub alternative creates a digital publishing file that can be viewed on our mobile devices. ePub files are reflowable. This means that the content displayed automatically adapts to the device it is viewed on. Apps include Apple: iBooks, Voice Dream, and NaturalReader; Android: Lithium and Voice Aloud Reader; Windows: Calibre, Icecream Ebook Reader, and NaturalReader. Why use ePub? ePub is powerful. With it, readers can take notes, highlight content, adjust text and background, and in some cases use text-to-speech.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, ePub is a good option.

• • You want to adjust font size and background color.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
  • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.

Semantic HTML: Tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings—are added to add meaning to a page. It aids screen reader users with good content structure. Semantic HTML is viewed in a browser and adapts to the device you are viewing it on. Semantic HTML is available offline on your mobile device, if you don't close your browser. Why use Semantic HTML? Semantic HTML is ideal when the content has complex layouts.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, Semantic HTML is a good option.

• • You want to adjust font size and background color.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
  • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You use a screen reader.

OCR PDF: The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) PDF alternatives are created when the original file is PDF of an image. OCR technology analyses the document and converts the image into searchable text. The conversion is only as good as the quality of the original file. If the file is difficult to analyze, there may be mistakes.

Maybe these sound like you. If so, OCR PDF is a good option.

• • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
  • You prefer to read.
  • You study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
  • You use a screen reader.

•  You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
• You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
• You prefer to read.
• You study on your commute and want to take your study materials with you.
• You use a screen reader.