Coordinating with the NIMAC for Timely, High-Quality Accessible Formats
As special education leaders prepare to complete the annual IDEA Part B application for federal funds, the timing is right for a refresh of why it’s important to choose to coordinate with the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). In this webinar, we’ll break down what “coordinating with the NIMAC” means for improving the timely provision of high-quality accessible formats, like braille, digital text, and large print. Participants will learn how the NIMAC fits into IDEA requirements, what roles and responsibilities matter most at the state and local levels, and practical ways to strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for students who rely on accessible materials.
Who Should Watch?
Special education directors and leaders at the state and local levels responsible for accessible format programs and policies.
Presenters
- Jena Fahlbush, Technical Assistance Specialist, National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction
- Nicole Gaines, Director, National Instructional Materials Access Center
- Liz Schaller, Manager, National Instructional Materials Access Center
- Crystal Patrick, IDEA Consultant: Visual Impairment, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Recording & Slides
Resources
- Accessible Media Producers
- Find your state’s NIMAC Coordinator
- Navigating Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): Accessible Formats Module
- NIMAS & NIMAC: What SEAs and LEAs Need to Know
- NIMAS & Digital Materials FAQ
Summary of Q&A Discussion
Does this apply to special education evaluations?
No. Under IDEA 2004, the NIMAC receives files for textbooks and related core materials published primarily for use in elementary and secondary education and required by a state or local educational agency for use by students in the classroom. The repository does not receive materials used in special education evaluations.
Could you provide an example of when NIMAS files would be beneficial for digital materials?
The NIMAC sometimes receives NIMAS for digital materials that are used by students in PDF format. We also receive NIMAS for textbooks that are produced in both hard copy and EPUB formats. In these cases, the NIMAC can be used to create an accessible format alternative when the digital instructional material is inaccessible. It can also be beneficial to have some type of source file to create braille when the digital material is difficult for a student to use even though it technically meets WCAG criteria (and so is exempt from NIMAS requirements).