Relates to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities

BILL NUMBER:S4585

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 219 of the laws of 2003, amending the education law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities, in relation to extending the provisions of such chapter

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would reauthorize the current law that requires publishers or manufacturers of printed instructional materials for college students to provide electronic formats of printed instructional material to be available for purchase for students with disabilities. Electronic versions of the printed instructional materials would be required to maintain the structural integrity of its printed versions, be compatible with commonly used Braille translation and speech synthesis software, include corrections and revisions as necessary, and be available at a cost that is comparable to the printed version.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of this bill extends current law requirements that publishers or manufacturers of printed instructional materials provide electronic formats of printed instructional materials that are mutually agreed upon by the publisher or manufacturer and the Commissioner of Education. Such printed instructional materials would be converted to an electronic format using the most updated software technology available to the public. The electronic version must: maintain the structural integrity of the printed version; be compatible with commonly used Braille translation and speech synthesis software; include corrections and revisions as needed; be available to students with disabilities at a cost comparable to its printed versions; and, be available in a timely manner upon receipt of a written request that:

(a) certifies that the electronic version will be used by a student with a disability;

(b) certifies that the student has a disability that prevents him or her from using standard instructional materials;

(c) certifies that the printed instructional material is for use by a student in connection with a course which he or she is registered or enrolled at the college;

(d) is signed by the coordinator of services for students with disabilities at the college or the campus or college official responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Section 2 amends the expiration of this law by extending it for an additional three years

Justification

This bill would ensure that students with disabilities have full access to instructional materials in suitable alternate formats for use in colleges in New York State by extending current law provisions for an additional three years

Prior legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

The act shall take effect immediately.