AEM is designed specifically for K-12 students with print disabilities. A print disability
can be a visual impairment or blindness, a learning difficulty, or a physical impairment
that limits a student’s use of standard printed materials. |
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The student dislikes reading
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The student has below average reading level, shows difficulty with reading aloud,
fluency, comprehension
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The student requires extra time to read or complete assignments
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The student cannot hold a book or turn pages independently
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The student has poor posture due to difficulty accessing standard print
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Information from a comprehensive evaluation indicating materials in a specialized
format are needed
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There are many ways accessible materials can be obtained. Specialized format materials,
like textbooks, can be created by Accessible Media Producers (AMPs). Platforms such
as Learning Ally or Bookshare offer textbooks, novels, periodicals, magazines, etc.
in audio and digital formats. Raw files from publishers can be sent to the NIMAC for
conversion into a specialized format later. In many cases, using built-in accessibility
features on the student’s device can make content on the screen accessible with no
additional alterations. |
AEM levels the playing field for students with print disabilities who otherwise are
unable to keep up in class. No content is changed when specialized formats (large
print, braille, audio, digital) materials are provided. |
| Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching
and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. There
are three main principles of UDL: multiple means of engagement, multiple means of
representation, and multiple means of action and expression. These principles work
together to provide students with a diverse way to interact with the material and
show what they know. Given a variety of ways to learn, each student is more likely
to have material presented in a way that is meaningful to them. Learn more about UDL. |
The Chafee Amendment (17 U.S.C. 121) provides that “ it is not an infringement of
copyright for an authorized entity to reproduce or to distribute in the United States
copies or phonorecords of a previously published literary work or of a previously
published musical work that has been fixed in the form of text or notation if such
copies or phonorecords are reproduced or distributed in accessible formats exclusively
for use by eligible persons.” |
| Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product
system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities
of persons with disabilities. Learn more about AT. AT is a broad category that encompasses any item that helps a person with a disability
accomplish a task. This includes mobility equipment, communication devices, hearing
devices, vision equipment, etc. AEM is a subcategory of AT. AEM is used in the educational
setting to help students with print disabilities read or otherwise access print materials.
Often, AEM and AT are used together. |
