Alternate format materials offer alternatives to traditional print. Any educational materials that are converted to alternate formats such as an MP3 must adhere to Canadian copyright laws. An MP3 can be created for anyone with a 'perceptual disability' as defined in the Canadian Copyright Act.

The Canadian Copyright Act (CCA) Section 32(1) outlines, very specifically, the acceptable creation and use of alternate format materials for individuals with disabilities. In simple terms, the act allows for an individual with a perceptual disability, or an agent acting on behalf of that individual, to create, acquire, or use an alternate format of a copyrighted work as long as that alternate format is not large print or is not commercially available. The act further defines ‘perceptual disability’ as one that prevents or inhibits access to standard print materials due to a visual impairment, a physical disability or a comprehension disability (ARC -BC. Alternate Format Educational Materials (FAQs). 2008)

Introduction

If you have a student that finds text difficult to read because of a 'perceptual disability' connect him/her to the MP3 of TKAM. You can do this in a variety of ways. Below are two ways that you can access/create an MP3 of the novel TKAM.

1. Join Rocketbook.com - it is free to sign up - The publishers say that Rocketbook MP3s have been upgraded to AAC file format for better integration with iPod and iTunes. To download an audio Rocketbook simply click the link Rocketbook Online Study Guide: TKAM and save the file to your computer's local drive. The file can then be opened using either Quicktime player or iTunes. If you do not have iTunes, download the free player:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

2. If you have Kurzweil you can convert the KESI file of TKAM to an MP3 by following these steps

First, check to see where the two foldersare located - if they are not on your desktop ask your IT person at school to help you locate them - ask if they can be put on the desktop for easy access
Scan book or use virtual printer to print material into Kesi format (.kes)
Zone edit - save changes
Correct underlying text - this is usually done with a very quick viewing to spot strange symbols ( if there are any graphics etc. in your text, Kurzweil will interpret these as characters and will insert them into the text - if you don't remove them Kurzweil will read the text with the errors)
One final check to make sure there is nothing weird in the text - Once you are happy with the document - save as Rich Text Format - .rtf
Next go to - File - Audio File - Create Audio File
The Create Audio File window opens
It is here that you make the selections for how your MP3 will sound - Select - Entire Document - Voice (I choose either VW Kate or VW Paul) - Speed (I usually change the speed to 130) - Format - MP3 - Quality -Best - file name i.e., To Kill A Mockingbird and click 'OK' when you have made the appropriate changes
Your .rtf is now being converted to a .mp3 file - if the file is small it will be converted right away. If it is a large file it will take a bit more time. When it is completed you can locate the mp3 in the Kurzweil 3000 Output Audio folder - which should be on your desktop
You can email it home and have the student download it at home or have a central place at school where your student can download the mp3 file

FYI - Never convert a KESI file from the actual image or scanned document - always from the extracted primary text document - this makes it much cleaner and more appropriate for MP3's

MP3 of Novel