About the AEM Center
The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning at CAST provided technical assistance, coaching, and resources to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners with disabilities across the lifespan.
Why accessible materials & technologies?
Accessible versions of educational materials may mean the difference between learning barriers and learning opportunities.
NIMAS & NIMAC
NIMAS is a technical standard used by publishers to prepare “electronic files” that are used to convert instructional materials into accessible formats. NIMAC is a national center that stores NIMAS source files from publishers.
Learning on the Go: ADA Title II Updates and Requirements
In April 2024, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule requiring state and local governmental entities — including early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions — to ensure web- or mobile app-based digital learning resources are appropriate for and usable by students with disabilities.
Explore more about Title II ADA Updates and Requirements through The Accessible Learning Experience Podcast S. 03 Ep. 11
Featured AEM Center Resources
Learn more about AEM Center resources
AEM Takeaways
Dive into the AEM Takeaways series for quick, exciting lessons on accessible materials and technology! Watch short videos where AEM experts break down terms and practices, then get real-world insights from field professionals. Plus, explore extra resources to supercharge your training in schools, universities, or any setting you choose!
Getting Unstuck: How a Few Determined Educators Strategically and Serendipitously Advanced Accessible Educational Materials
This paper presents the findings from the second case in a multiple-case study examining the implementation of federal and state policies by State Education Agencies (SEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) to disabled students in two Southern states
AEM Center at CAST
2024
Open Education Resources: Ensuring Inclusive Learning in Uncertain Times
Situated at the intersection of where the OER field meets accessibility issues, this guide details a variety of resources useful for evaluating and selecting appropriate and accessible OERs.
A. Hashey, et al.
2021
AEM Navigator
Use the AEM Navigator to make informed, accurate decisions about the acquisition of accessible formats for students who need them.
AEM Center at CAST
2021
The Accessible Learning Experience
Turn learning barriers into learning opportunities by exploring the world of accessibility and Universal Design for Learning in this monthly podcast.
Upcoming AEM Center Events
Learn more about AEM Center events
Accessibility Matters: The What, Why & How
Participants will learn how accessible materials interconnect with assistive technologies, explore design advantages, common issues, and best practices. They will gain practical experience in testing and reviewing materials and understand how accessibility and assistive technologies work together. By the end, participants will be equipped to design inclusive and effective materials from the start.9:00AM – 12:00PM ET on Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Accessibility Matters: The What, Why & How
Participants will explore the integration of accessible educational materials (AEM), accessible technologies (AT), and assistive technologies. This session will highlight the importance of accessibility in design, benefits, challenges, and best practices. Practical exercises will ensure participants gain skills to create inclusive educational materials and an understanding of how AEM, AT, and assistive technologies support students in the classroom.8:00AM – 9:00AM PT on Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Blaschke Report: AI and accessibility in the K-12 environment
The focus of the 2024 Blaschke Fellowship report will be to identify promising practices, policies and guidelines that school district leaders can implement around the use of Generative AI and accessibility. How should districts vet and approve AI functionality as it relates to accessibility? Likewise, what policies and guidance should school districts provide around AI and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure the privacy of student data?9:15AM – 10:15AM PT on Tuesday, April 1, 2025