Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
Exceptional Student Services
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) or Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are materials designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format. In relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the term AIM refers to print instructional materials that have been transformed into four specialized formats (audio, braille, digital, and large print text). Sometimes students with disabilities have difficulty accessing print in the same way as their peers. To succeed in school, these students need learning materials presented in a way that works for them. In 2014, the term "accessible educational materials" or "AEM" was expanded to include both print- and technology-based educational materials including electronic textbooks, and related core materials. Practically speaking, the terms AIM and AEM are often used interchangeably. – OCALI AT & AEM Center
AEM or AIM Guidance
IDEA:
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), any student who receives special education services must receive accessible instructional materials when needed to make meaningful educational progress. This is part of the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Accessible instructional materials must effectively provide the same information that other instructional materials provide.
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, schools must provide instructional materials in alternative formats to a student with a disability if the student needs them to learn.
Who Needs AEM?
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are print- and technology-based educational materials, including printed and electronic textbooks and materials that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format. Accessible formats provide the same information in another form to address the barriers text- based materials can present for some learners. Examples of accessible formats include audio, braille, large print, tactile graphics, and digital text conforming with accessibility standards.
NIMAC / NIMAS
Created by IDEA 2004, NIMAC is a federally funded, online file repository of source files in the NIMAS format. Authorized users can access more than 84,000 K-12 NIMAS files from more than 200 publishers for use in the production of accessible formats such as braille, large print, and digital text for students with disabilities.
NIMAC/NIMAS in Arizona
In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS) is the only NIMAC/NIMAS authorized user. Schools wishing to access a NIMAC file submit a request to ADE/ESS, which then authorizes a download and assigns the file to an Accessible Media Producer for the creation of the accessible instructional material in whatever format is required/requested.
ADE Short-Term Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Library
The Short-Term Assistive Technology Loan Library though the Exceptional Student Services at the Arizona Department of Education in partnership with NAU’s Arizona Technology Access Program is pleased to make available at no cost, a wide variety of assistive technology devices, equipment, software and professional development materials to school personnel in order to improve access to assistive technology.
Sample Technology Considerations to support access:
Reading Pens
Magnifiers
Refreshable Braille Displays
Apps/software
Please contact us for additional information/support.
ADE Resources
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