Accessible Media Producers
Accessible Media Producers (AMPs) are organizations that receive federal and state funding to convert materials to accessible formats, such as braille, large print, digital text, and audio. When an educational material is under copyright, such as a textbook, use of the accessible format of that material is restricted to students with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria. These criteria are established under U.S. copyright law and every AMP provides eligibility information and procedures for certifying students.
Here is a list of AMPs that support schools with providing high-quality accessible formats in a timely manner:
Bookshare
Bookshare is federally funded and an excellent source of digital text materials, as well as other formats. Membership is free to eligible students in early learning programs, elementary, or secondary schools.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) produces braille and large print materials, as well as tactile graphics. States are allocated annual funds to purchase specialized educational materials from APH. All States have at least one APH Ex Officio Trustee who can assist in placing orders with APH.
The searchable Louis Database of Accessible Materials, maintained by APH, includes information on materials available from over 50 organizations.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and its network of State libraries provide braille and audio. The NLS has a children’s resource collection for those eligible under 18 years of age, as well as their teachers and parents. Additionally, the NLS compiles a state directory of producers of reading materials, specifically audio, braille, and large print.
State Instructional Resource Centers (IRCs)
Some States have an Instructional Resource Center (IRC) that maintains a library of accessible formats and manages requests for materials for eligible students. Information about IRCs is available from State AEM Contacts.
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Additionally, the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) is federally funded and provides accessible educational videos. DCMP videos are free to use in any classroom that includes at least one student with a disability.
Explore an AMP
Here are two ways to improve your understanding of the resources available from AMPs:
- Search the Louis Database for two to three text-based educational materials you’re familiar with (search by specific ISBN, author, topic, etc.). From your results, make note of the AMPs that source the materials, as well as the types of accessible formats in which the materials are available.
- Visit DCMP’s Learning Center to learn more about the service and how teachers use the video collection.
Connect with Your State AEM Contact
Identify your State AEM Contact and send an email, requesting information about accessible format services available for schools in your state.