Textbook Services

Questions? Contact Us!

DMACC
Textbook Services
k3000a@dmacc.edu
515-964-6636

Textbook Services Handbook

2026-2027

Print Textbook Services Handbook

Table of Contents

Contact Information

Textbook Services Office

Kari Carpenter
Project Coordinator
515-964-6636
k3000a@dmac.edu
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd,
Building 6, Room 20E
Ankeny, IA 50023

Disability Services Office

Jennifer Argo
Disability Services Coordinator
515-964-6850
jdargo@dmacc.edu 
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd,
Building 6, Room 10B
Ankeny, IA 50023

The Textbook Services Department supports all DMACC students granted the accommodation of an alternate format for their textbooks. To locate the contact for your home campus, please call 515-964-6636 or 515-964-6850.

What is Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a literacy support software with powerful reading, writing, test-taking, and study skills tools that make curriculum accessible to all students.

Kurzweil 3000 helps learners overcome challenges of all kinds, at any age, and on any device by the following:

Boosts Reading Fluency

  • Reads text aloud, highlighting words and sentences as they’re spoken to help students follow along.
  • Natural Text-to-Speech voices in 13 languages and 18 additional dialects.
  • Customizable reading rate and presentation.
  • Improve readability with OpenDyslexic font, text magnification (installed desktop only) and zoom.
  • ABBYY FineReader OCR creates the highest accuracy in character recognition for reading aloud.
  • Customizable background and text color.

Increases Comprehension

  • Engages Learners with 5 different note tools including Sticky, Bubble and Voice Notes.
  • Highlight key text with multiple colored highlighters which can be extracted into study notes.
  • Create vocabulary study guides with automatically generated word definitions.
  • Extract notes and highlighting into a Column Notes study guide.
  • Embedded read-aloud American Heritage Fifth Edition Children’s and College Writers Dictionaries and Widget Picture Dictionary as well as synonym and translation reference tools.

Assists Writing and Assignments

  • Start writing with over 50 template guides.
  • Highlight text on the web or within a document and extract into study notes.
  • Visually organize and map notes and ideas with Brainstorm and Graphic Organizers.
  • View outlines and drafts simultaneously with Split Screen.
  • Ease the writing process with dictation using Speech-to-text (Kurzweil3000.com on chrome browsers only).
  • Word prediction offers word suggestions based on word frequency.
  • Expand word choices with the Synonym tool.
  • Save file to Google Drive and OneDrive.

Improves Test Taking

  • Tests can be created to be read aloud with students’ preferred voice and speed.
  • Read the Web for Respondus Lockdown browser for reading online tests.

Costs Associated with Kurzweil 3000

For a student who is currently enrolled at DMACC and has been granted accommodations for textbook services, there is no cost for the use of Kurzweil 3000. Other than the student’s personal computer or electronic device, DMACC takes responsibility for any fees associated with this use. Once a student is no longer enrolled at DMACC, access to Kurzweil 3000 will be removed.

Any student who is currently enrolled at DMACC and wishes to purchase a single license for their own personal use may do so directly from Cambium Learning at a student discounted price. Please contact Cambium Learning for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for textbook services?

Students can apply for accommodations on the DMACC Disability Services webpage. DMACC Disability Services

After my accommodations are granted, what is the procedure to obtain my textbooks on Kurzweil 3000?

Please contact the Textbook Services Office at k3000a@dmacc.edu or 515-964-6636.

How long will I have to wait to receive my textbooks on Kurzweil 3000?

Depending on the circumstances, it may take up to two weeks before the first few chapters are available. The sooner we receive your request; the sooner we can begin the process. It is important to provide us with a class reading schedule if the instructor is using the textbook out of sequence.

How will I know when chapters are available in Kurzweil 3000?

An email will be sent to your DMACC address when the first chapters are ready. After the original email, you will need to check your Kurzweil library regularly for new chapters.

How do I access my textbooks in Kurzweil 3000?

Student textbooks and course materials that have been requested by the DMACC Textbook Services Department, will be saved in the “public” folder of the student’s Kurzweil Universal Library.

Can I have class handouts scanned into Kurzweil?

Yes. You may drop the handouts off in our office (Bldg. 6 Rm 20E) or email them to us at k3000a@dmacc.edu. Please allow a 24-hour turn-around time.

Can I save my books/chapters to my computer?

Yes. You can save books/chapters to your computer, a flash drive, or to your Kurzweil library (recommended). Saving content to your Kurzweil library will allow you to access that content from any computer with internet access.

Why are my chapter numbers out of order in my Kurzweil Library?

Kurzweil uses the first number of a chapter when creating the order sequence. For example, 1, 11, 12, 13, etc. will all be listed together. Then 2, 20, 21, 22, etc. followed by 3, 30, 31, 32, etc.

Is it possible to read the web with Kurzweil 3000?

Yes. The Kurzweil 3000 Read the Web feature allows you to use its reading and reference tools with content in a Web browser. The Read the Web feature is available using the Chrome, Firefox or Edge web browser. More information is available in the getting started guide. 

Can I have a reader for my online class in Canvas?

Yes. Canvas has a built-in text-to-speech reader called ReadSpeaker that can be used anywhere in Canvas. Settings can be customized to meet your needs, such as reading speed, highlight colors, font size, keyboard shortcuts, and more! When you are in Canvas, you can find the ReadSpeaker icon on the bottom far left of the page. See page 8 for more information.

Who do I contact if I am having problems or have questions?

Please contact DMACC Textbook Services at k3000a@dmacc.edu or at 515-964-6636. If you are having technical issues with Kurzweil after Textbook Services hours, you may contact Kurzweil’s tech support at 1-800-894-5374 or at tech@kurzweiledu.com.

Kurzweil 3000 User Information

Kurzweil 3000 can be accessed from any device with internet access. Your login information will be the same for whichever option you choose.

For Web Browsers (most used option): Go to the Kurzweil 3000 website and type in the provided username and password. Contact DMACC Textbook Services if you need help with login information.

Web Browser Getting Started Guides:

For Computer Installed Applications:

For Kurzweil 3000 Read the Web Extension: This option is available through the Chrome, Edge or Firefox web browsers to read materials on the web. Quick instructions are below, or view the full Getting Started Guide.

  • Chrome: Chrome has both an app and an extension. Go to the Chrome App Store and search for “Kurzweil” or “K3000.” Click “Add to Chrome” for both the Kurzweil 3000 app and the Read the Web extension.
  • Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge: Go to the Kurzweil 3000 website and choose “Products” at the top right, “Software Updates”, scroll down to “Other Tools” and choose your version. Then follow the on-screen directions to install. A Kurzweil icon will be added to the upper right corner of your browser.

Canvas and ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker is free text-to-speech in Canvas and is available for all Canvas users

ReadSpeaker is a text-to-speech tool that is ideal for those who benefit from having on-screen text read to them.

This tool can read content within Canvas as well as attached files and webpages that are tagged properly.

ReadSpeaker even defines and translates words.

Its other features include limiting how much text is visible at a time, enlarging text, adjusting the speaker rate, and manipulating text and highlight colors to make it easier to read and/or follow along.

How to learn more:

Read Aloud Options for Digital Textbooks and Materials

Kurzweil 3000 Read the Web Extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge web browsers. (Available free to students who qualify through the DMACC DSO)

  • This option requires granted accommodations from the DMACC Disability Services Office, and a username and password from DMACC Textbook Services.
  • The extension is free. 
  • Once the extension is added, Kurzweil can read unlocked, online exams, web pages, and other online materials. The voice and speed of the reader can be adjusted, as well as other options.
  • For more information refer to the Kurzweil 3000 User Information section of this handbook or contact DMACC Textbook Services at k3000a@dmacc.edu.
  • Kurzweil 3000 Getting Started Guide

Kurzweil 3000 for Web Browsers (Available free to students who qualify through the DMACC DSO)

  • This option requires granted accommodations from the DMACC Disability Services Office, and a username and password from Textbook Services.
  • Kurzweil 3000 can be accessed on the Kurzweil website. 
  • Students will be given a virtual library where their books and classroom materials can be saved and opened into the Kurzweil 3000 text-to-speech reading program.
  • Other materials saved on your computer can also be opened and read aloud.
  • The voice/speed of the reader can be adjusted, as well as other options.
  • This option can be used with any device with internet access.
  • For more information contact DMACC Textbook Services at k3000a@dmacc.edu.

Adobe Built-In Reader

  • The Adobe Built-In Reader can be used to read PDF files aloud.
  • To use the Adobe Reader, open Adobe and navigate to the document page you want to have read aloud. From the top-left Menu, click View, Activate Read Aloud (or press Shift+Ctrl+Y).
  • Then, click View again, and Read Out Loud. You can choose to have the whole document read aloud or just the page you're on.
  • Select either Read to End of Document or Read This Page Only, respectively. Selecting the Read Mode option will close other Adobe options, so you only see the page you are wanting to read.
  • More information can be found on the Adobe website. 

Word Built-In Reader

  • The Word Read Aloud feature can be used to read Word documents aloud.
  • Word Read Aloud is only available for Office 2019, Office 2021, and Microsoft 365.
  • To use the Word Read Aloud feature: Open a Word file. On the Review tab, select Read Aloud. A small control panel will pop up on the top right of the page. Select the center arrow to read/pause. Select settings to toggle between the male and female voice.
  • More information can be found on the Microsoft website.

**NVDA

  • NVDA is a free, open source, accessible screen reader for the blind and vision impaired. It was created by NV Access, a registered charity and software development company. The NVDA screen reader can be downloaded free of charge by anyone. You can find more information on the NV Access website. 

**Zoom Text Magnifier with Reader (Available for purchase)

  • ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. The Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email. Zoom Text is created to be used with Windows.
  • For more information can be found on the ZoomText Screen Magnification website.

**JAWS (Available for purchase)

  • JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a paid reader for Windows. It was developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC.
  • JAWS is offered by Freedom Scientific, Inc. More information can be found on the Freedom Scientific website.

**C-Pen (Available for purchase)

  • C-Pen is a state-of-the-art pen scanner designed to make it easier to process printed text. When the C-Pen is moved along a text line, the printed text is made digital. The digital text can then be read aloud by text-to-speech software, or it can be pasted into a document on a computer or smartphone. For more information can be found on the C-Pen website. 

E-Books with Built in Reader

  • E-books can be purchased through many online outlets, including the DMACC Bookstore. Many E-books come with their own built-in reader. Those that don’t, can usually be read by the Kurzweil 3000 web browser or web extension. Contact the DMACC Textbook Services Department for more help with this: k3000a@dmacc.edu.

Google Chrome “Read Aloud”: A Text to Speech Voice Reader

  • This is an extension that can be added through the Chrome web store.
  • Read Aloud can read PDF, Google Docs, Google Play books, Amazon Kindle, and EPUB (via the excellent EPUB Reader extension from epubread.com).
  • Read Aloud uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to convert webpage text to audio. It works on a variety of websites, including news sites, blogs, fan fiction, publications, textbooks, school and class websites, and online university course materials.
  • Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader - Chrome Web Store

Speechify

  • Turn anything on your laptop, desktop, and phone screen into audio.
  • Listen to emails, papers, and more.
  • Speechify works with Chrome, iOS, Android, Mac, & Edge.
  • There is a free limited option, and a paid premium option.
  • For more information can be found on the Speechify website.  

Bookshare

  • Bookshare offers a library of over a million audiobooks and e-books. It also offers their Bookshare Reader as a free app.
  • U.S. students with qualifying disabilities can join for free. The DMACC Textbook Services Office can also get free books for students if they have qualified and been approved by the DMACC Disability Services Office.
  • More information can be found at bookshare.org.  

Vital Source

  • The Vital Source Bookshelf offers many e-textbooks with a built-in read aloud text-to-speech tool. These e-textbooks are available for purchase.
  • More information can be found on the Vital Source website.    

** Good Options for students who are visually impaired.

DMACC Online Student Support

DMACC Online student support is available with our Online Navigator

Kristin Hixenbaugh, Online Navigator

515-308-4796 | kmhixenbaugh@dmacc.edu 

Our online navigator is the student contact for Online course support. Kristin focuses on Online student assistance for retention, resources, and connections to other student service resources. Contact Kristin for help with:

  • information and connection to resources and support services
  • understanding Canvas
  • struggling in a course or need help with your course/faculty experience
  • accessing course materials such as e-books, access codes, publisher materials
  • communication with instructors
  • understanding your rights as a student

In rare instances, you may need to reach out to other members of our team.

Resources:  

Other Resources

Kurzweil 3000 Tech Support: Kurzweil 3000 Tech Support can help with any technical issues you are having with Kurzweil 3000 or questions you have about how to use the program when our office is unavailable. You can contact them at 1-800-984-5374 or at tech@kurzweiledu.com.

DMACC Tech Support: DMACC tech support can help with DMACC related technical issues and questions, such as questions regarding MyLab, computer labs, and login help. You can contact them at 515-965-7300 or 1-800- 362-2127 ext. 7300.

Online Tutoring Support: 

DMACC Bookstores: DMACC Bookstores offer e-books for purchase or rent when available. Contact your campus bookstore for more information.

DMACC Libraries: The DMACC Libraries provide a wide variety of print and non-print media including online resources such as electronic books, audio books, and online reference and research assistance. You can search their online database on the DMACC website, or you can contact them at 515-964-6317 or 1800-362-2127 ext. 6317.

Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is a library of over 70,000 free e- books. You can choose among free e-pub and Kindle e-books, download them or read them online. The focus here is on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. No special apps are required to read these books. You can find Project Gutenberg at gutenberg.org.

Copyright Information

Please remember, the alternate textbook formats that DMACC and/or the textbook publishers provide to you are for you alone. They are not for you to share with others as to do so violates copyright laws.

System Requirements

Kurzweil 3000 System Requirements for WINDOWS

(Download option)  

General Requirements  

PROCESSOR: 1.3 GHz Pentium 4 or better

SYSTEM MEMORY: 2 GB

HARD DISK SPACE: 2 GB of free space

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 11, 10

ADDITIONAL Requirements:

  • Keyboard, mouse, Speakers or headset
  • Microphone (optional)
  • If scanning: TWAIN-compatible scanner
  • Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for Read the Web functionality
  • Internet connection required for some features (Online Activation, Google Translate, Online Book Search, Read the Web, etc.)  

Specific Requirements for Network (Engine and Administration)  

  • USB 2.0 port
  • Windows-compatible LAN running the TCP/IP protocol
  • Static IP address for the Network Engine host  

Specific Requirements for Web License

Internet Connection: Minimum bandwidth of 512 kbps for each active Kurzweil 3000 session

Kurzweil 3000 System Requirements for MAC

(Download option)  

All Clients:  

Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon processor

System Memory: 4 GB

Hard Disk Space: 2 GB of free space

Operating System: Mac OS 10.13 through 13x

Additional Requirements:

  • Keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone
  • Image Capture-compatible scanner
  • Internet connection required for some features (Google Translate, Online Book Search, Read the Web, etc.)  

Additional Requirements for Web License:

  • Internet Connection required for product use.
  • All installed clients use some amount of bandwidth to connect to web services.  
  • Although the clients will work at just about any speed, we recommend a minimum of    56k/student, 512k/lab.  

Kurzweil 3000 does not currently support thin-client based environments as it was not designed for some of the special requirements of these systems.

System Requirements for Kurzweil Web Browsers

(kurzweil3000.com)  

General Requirements:

Internet Browser (latest version recommended):

  • Chrome (minimum version 74)
  • Firefox (minimum version 72)
  • Safari (minimum version 12.0)
  • Microsoft Edge (minimum version 17)
  • Internet Explorer (minimum version 11)  

Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled.

Minimum bandwidth of 512kbps for each active Kurzweil 3000 session.

Network Connectivity Firewalls, proxy servers, and content filters must all permit access: HTTP (TCP port 80) HTTP and HTTPS (TCP port 443).  

Speakers or earphones are recommended.