NIMAS & NIMAC
The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) is a technical specification that K-12 publishers use to create electronic source files of textbooks and related instructional materials. NIMAS files can be efficiently converted to accessible formats like braille, large print, and accessible digital text.
The National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) is an online repository that receives, validates, and distributes NIMAS files to Authorized Users. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states and districts must choose whether to coordinate with the NIMAC. Those that opt in require publishers to submit NIMAS files to the NIMAC as part of their instructional materials adoption process, improving timely access to accessible formats for students who need them.
The resources on this page explain NIMAS and the NIMAC, and how opting in to the NIMAC provides access to thousands of NIMAS files that support the timely delivery of high-quality accessible formats.
NIMAS & NIMAC: What State and Local Educational Agencies Need to Know
This policy brief explains the origin and purpose of NIMAS and the NIMAC, essential legal terms and definitions, student eligibility, sample contract language, and the obligations of state and local educational agencies under IDEA.
Coordinating with the NIMAC: What It Means & Why It’s Important
Watch a recorded webinar co-hosted by NCADEMI and the NIMAC. Important questions are addressed, such as “What does it mean to coordinate with the NIMAC?,” “Why is it beneficial for states and districts to coordinate with the NIMAC?,” and “Does the NIMAC receive digital instructional materials?”