Publishers lead effort to better serve students

AMERICA – The Association of American Publishers (AAP) has announced its agreement with the Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC), an initiative of the Georgia Board of Regents and the University of Georgia, to develop and launch the AccessText Network, a comprehensive, national on-line system that will make it easier and quicker for students with print-related disabilities, such as blindness, to obtain the textbooks they need for their college courses.

“Many college students with disabilities are struggling to use required or recommended print textbooks that are essential to their course success,” said Patricia Schroeder, AAP’s president and chief executive officer.

“The new AccessText Network will improve the way electronic versions of print textbooks are delivered to campus-based disability student service (DSS) offices from publishers and streamline the permission process for scanning copies of print textbooks when publisher files are unavailable.

“By improving the efficiencies of our present process, AccessText will facilitate quicker access to content for more students.”