Students
Need Alternate Format Text? Save time by purchasing accessible digital textbooks, on your own
With Pearson’s accessible digital textbooks, available through VitalSource™ Bookshelf®, you no longer have to buy print textbooks and wait for your school’s disability services office to give you an accessible file.
Purchase these eTextbooks on your own and have instant access to course materials that work optimally with screen readers and refreshable braille displays and that include self-voicing text-to-speech.
You can access your eTextbooks from your computer or mobile device (iOS and Android), even when offline.
FAQs
Which titles are available as accessible eTextbooks?
Here’s the current list of titles.
In what file format are these eTextbooks?
These eTextbooks are ePubs, an HTML-based format that meets accessibility requirements for the blind and those with other print disabilities. ePub follows precise specifications defined by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) and is endorsed by the DAISY Consortium.
How do I know that the VitalSource Bookshelf reader is accessible?
The DAISY Consortium tests reading systems for accessibility. In these tests, VitalSource Bookshelf currently receives the highest accessibility scores among reading systems. DAISY is a global consortium of organizations committed to people having equal access to information and knowledge, regardless of disability.
VPATs are available on the VitalSource Accessibility Support site.
Do I have to go through my campus disability/accessibility office to purchase these eTextbooks?
No. You can buy these eTextbooks on your own from this site.
What if I’m having trouble purchasing or using one of these accessible eTextbooks?
Please contact the VitalSource Support Center, which is open 24/7 year round. You can talk with a U.S.-based expert by calling 1-855-200-4146 or email your issue to accessibility@vitalsource.com.
Do all assistive technologies work with these eTextbooks?
Some assistive technologies and software don’t follow or implement accepted conventions and standards. These applications may not work with these eTextbooks. For questions about specific assistive technologies, please email Pearson Disability Support at disability.support@pearson.com.
What if a textbook is not available as one of these accessible eTextbooks?
Please contact your school’s Disability Services Coordinator (or other school official). They can request an alternate format text file on your behalf, as long as you’ve purchased or are renting the print or digital textbook. Your Disability Services Coordinator will require documentation of your disability, your enrollment in the course, and proof of purchase for the text.