FILE TYPES
  • Accessible Digital formats containing text and graphics can be read on the screen, or listened to via a computer generated voice, or both. Read More about Digital Text.
  • DAISY Digital files may contain text only, audio only, or both. DAISY files require specific readers such as Victor Reader Steam, Kurzweil and others. Read More:ยท Daisy
  • Learning Ally Audio files are human voice recordings with no text or graphics associated. The recording contains descriptions of pictures and graphs in the printed text.

FILE EXTENSIONS
  • NIMAS (National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard) - NIMAS files are the national standard for accessible k12 textbooks, and can be opened and read "as is" in Read:OutLoud. NIMAS files are the most versatile digital files, because they can be used to create many other file formats including PDF, ePub, and BRF. The NIMAS fileset consists of the following parts: an XML content file, an OPF package file, a PDF copy of the title page, ISBN, and copyright information, and a folder containing the full set of content images. 
  • PDF (Portable Document Format) - Accessible PDF files contain hidden tags which provide navigation of text and graphics for screen readers.
  • ePub (Electronic Publication) - ePub files are designed for reflowable content, allowing the text display to be optimized for the preferences of the reader. This format can be used with e-readers or computer software. Calibre is an example of a computer software which can be used to open files with ePub extensions.
  • BRF (Braille Ready Format) - Braille-ready files contain a format which can be read by a braille refreshable display, or transmitted to a braille embosser to create a hard copy Braille book. This code allows people without sight to read electronic documents from computer disks or from the internet.
  • HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) - HTML files contain a set of files with an index file that links all of the associated files together.
  • TXT/RTF (Text and Rich Text) - Text files are plain text versions of the file with no images associated, and no online navigation. The book may contain multiple chapters as separate text files.
  • DOC (Microsoft Word Document) - A DOC file is a Microsoft Word document which may or may not include images. When the document is formatted using styles, document properties, alternative text for images, and descriptions for charts and graphs, the document becomes accessible for the visually impaired.