Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Training Modules

What educators and parents need to know about AIM

Modules created by Kathy McWhorter and John Paul Harris, NIMAS/AIM activities coordinators
Narrated by John Paul Harris

Thanks for making time to learn about AIM. Through a contract with the Wyoming Department of Education, Special Services Division, we provide services in the acquisition, appropriate use, and integration of accessible instructional materials (AIM) for students with disabilities. For the past 3 years, we have traveled throughout the state to conduct full-day trainings on identifying, qualifying, and serving students with print disabilities. This year, we are creating “learning capsules” so that educators, parents, and others can access this information when it is needed most.

IMPORTANT!-Viewing instructions

1. To view each module, click on the title you desire to play. Another window will open where the video will begin playing.
2. The video will play in this window for only 15 minutes. To view the entire module, you must click the button that reads "Download" in the upper right corner of the video window screen (see graphic). Some computers will give a dropdown menu. Click the option "Direct Download."
3. After clicking download, follow your computer's prompts to begin the video.
4. If you are having problems, please contact John Paul Harris at (307) 766-5770 or jharri42@uwyo.edu.

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AIM Part One: Introduction and Legal Context

We will focus on the legal foundation of Accessible Instructional Material (AIM): the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently called NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004).  Both include compelling requirements for state and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, receive the supports and services they need to access, participate and achieve in the general educational curriculum.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)

AIM Part Two: Navigating the Decision-Making Process

We will focus on the decision-making process related to accessible instructional materials (AIM) and look closely at how each of the steps requires solid thinking and planning on the part of the individualized education program (IEP) team.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)

AIM Part Three: AIM Support at Your Fingertips

We will focus on the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM Center) web site and the products that are available to support everyone in the use of accessible instructional materials.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)

AIM Part Four: Introduction to Bookshare

We will review the services offered by the Authorized Media Producer (AMP) Bookshare.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)

AIM Part Five: Introduction to Learning Ally

We will review the services offered by the Authorized Media Producer (AMP) Learning Ally.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)

AIM Part Six: Accessible Microsoft Word Document Design

We will review the principles of accessible Microsoft Word document design, create an accessible Word document, check our document with Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker, and discuss the benefits of accessible design.

Corresponding Documents

1. PowerPoint slide handout (PDF)
2. Transcript (PDF)