This textbook was designed with accessibility in mind. That said, no resource is ever perfect. Students learn in different ways, have different needs, and use different technologies to support their learning. Our goal is to make this textbook as accessible, flexible, and useful as possible for as many students as possible.

If you encounter an accessibility issue, unclear wording, broken link, typo, or anything that makes learning harder than it needs to be, please let us know. Feedback helps improve the textbook for everyone.

Accessibility Matters

People learn differently.

Some students prefer reading. Others learn best through listening, discussion, movement, visuals, repetition, or hands-on activities. Some students may also use accessibility tools to support their learning.

This textbook has been intentionally designed to support multiple ways of learning. Throughout the text, you will find:

• images with descriptive captions,
• videos with captions and transcripts,
• audio versions of many chapters,
• downloadable formats that work with screen readers and text-to-speech software,
• opportunities to review material in different ways.

You are encouraged to use whatever strategies and tools work best for you.

Images

Images in this textbook include alt-text (alternative text) whenever possible. Alt-text provides a short description of an image so that students using screen readers or text-to-speech technologies can better understand visual content.

However, there is one important limitation. The Pressbooks platform limits alt-text descriptions to approximately 100 characters. Because of this, all image captions in the textbook have been written intentionally to provide additional explanation and context.

If an image, figure, or caption is unclear, please let us know so it can be improved.

Videos

Some chapters include embedded videos to reinforce ideas, provide examples, or explain concepts in a different format. Videos are hosted on YouTube and include accessibility features such as:

• closed captions, and
• video transcripts.

To turn on captions:

1. Click the YouTube icon in the bottom-right corner of the video.
2. Select the CC button to enable captions.

To view a transcript:

1. Open the video in YouTube.
2. Click the three dots (⋯) below the video.
3. Select Show Transcript.

If reading is not your preferred way of learning, videos can be a useful way to review material before class or revisit challenging concepts later.

Learning On The Go

You do not have to sit at a desk to learn. In fact, many students find it easier to absorb information while walking, commuting, exercising, or doing routine tasks.

If listening helps you learn, you may want to use text-to-speech tools to listen to parts of this textbook while:

• walking,
• taking transit,
• exercising,
• cooking,
• or taking a break from screen time.

Text-To-Speech Options

Mac

• Highlight the text you want read aloud.
• Press Option + Esc.

Windows

• Follow your computer’s accessibility instructions or use:
  Windows Key + Ctrl + Enter

You can also download the textbook and open it in software that supports text-to-speech, including PDF readers, the Books app on Mac, or similar accessibility tools.

Keep in mind that if you download the textbook, embedded videos will appear as links rather than playing directly in the document.

Audio Version Of The Textbook

Many chapters also include audio versions.

These recordings were created using artificial intelligence to help make the textbook easier to access in different situations and learning contexts.

The audio versions generally include the main chapter content. However, some shaded text boxes, side notes, or supplementary materials may not always be included.

If listening helps you focus, reviewing material in audio form may be a useful complement to reading.