Accessible Educational Materials
Students who struggle to decode or extract meaning from print materials may need accessible instructional materials to receive an appropriate education. Accessible educational materials (AEM) include the specialized formats of audio, Braille, eText, and large print and are needed by students with disabilities such as visual impairment, physical impairment, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, etc. The links below can assist schools to provide AEM needed by students with disabilities.
- IDEA Requirements
- Eligibility for Electronic Source Files
- Accessing NIMAS File Sets
- Sample Agreement/Contract Language
Accessibility Resources For Educators
- AEM Basics
- Learn about state and territory policies and practices related to the acquisition of digital instructional materials in K12 education. Digital Instructional Materials
Universal design for learning ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. - For teachers that design their own documents for class, Designing for Accessibility with P.O.U.R. in mind.
- Plain language - Publishing accessibility jargon deciphered
- Five things educators can do to consider access when purchasing equipment
MoAT Text-To-Speech Projects, Guide, and Video
Missouri Assistive Technology initiated pilot projects to evaluate the impact of using AEM and text-to-speech technology (TtS) on outcomes for at-risk high school students due to print-related disabilities. The results showed a dramatic impact on outcomes for the students. The project evolved into the development in Missouri of two resources to help schools throughout the country develop their own text-to-speech/AEM programs. An Implementation Guide and a TtS video were developed for national dissemination and can be found on the following links: