Accessible Educational Materials

According to the National Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Center : Links to an external site.

• Accessible educational materials (AEM) are print- and technology-based educational materials, including printed and electronic textbooks and related core materials that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format (e.g., print, digital, graphic, audio, video). Links to an external site.

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• Accessible formats provide the same information in another form to address the barriers text-based materials can present for some learners. Examples of accessible formats include audio, braille, large print, tactile graphics, and digital text conforming with accessibility standards.  Links to an external site. Links to an external site.
  • Links to an external site.Acquiring Accessible Formats Links to an external site.

Tools for Educators

Accessibility Hidden Gems Native accessibility features of common digital tools Links to an external site.

• Links to an external site.Accessibility Hidden Gems Native accessibility features of common digital tools Accessibility Hidden Gems.pdf Download Accessibility Hidden Gems Native accessibility features of common digital tools Accessibility Hidden Gems.pdf

North Carolina’s AEM Planning Form Links to an external site.This AEM Planning Form from NCDPI is designed to assist educational teams in proactively planning for the provision of Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) in a timely manner for students who require them. Educational teams can utilize this form when considering a student’s need for accessible formats of print and digital text-based materials. To use this PDF version, you will need to download the file and open it in a PDF reader. If you would rather have access to a spreadsheet please make a copy of the NC AEM Planning Tool through Google Sheets. Links to an external site.For information to help obtain Accessible Formats for North Carolina Students only please complete the NC Request for Accessible Formats including NIMAC request.  Links to an external site.

For questions regarding NIMAC Links to an external site., please contact the NIMAC State Coordinator

Professional Development for Educators with ATIA

Coming Soon ..

Bookshare

Bookshare® Links to an external site. is an ebook library that makes reading easier for students with reading barriers, such as dyslexia, blindness, and cerebral palsy, who require accessible formats. Bookshare is an Accessible Media Producer (AMP) and is able to convert traditional printed materials into audio, braille, digital and large print for eligible students Links to an external site.. 

For questions regarding Bookshare Links to an external site.in North Carolina, please contact the Bookshare State Coordinator many districts/ schools have existing account numbers.  

Making Educational Materials Accessible from the start 

• Designing for Accessibility with POUR Links to an external site.
• Free checklist from the US Department of Education Links to an external site.
• Checklist from Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Links to an external site.