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About the AEM Center

The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning at CAST provides technical assistance, coaching, and resources to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners with disabilities across the lifespan.

Learn more about the AEM Center

Why accessible materials & technologies?

Accessible versions of educational materials may mean the difference between learning barriers and learning opportunities.

Start a conversation with our video series

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.

Learn more about NIMAS & NIMAC

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.

Learn more about the final rule

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 logo

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!

View the series

Article

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

Article

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

Guide

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 | CAST, Illustrations of a microphone, sound waves, digital text, and wifi

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.

Listen to the podcast

Upcoming AEM Center Events

Learn more about AEM Center events

Presentation

US Dept of Justice Guidelines and the 1EdTech Accessibility Rubric

Institutions and Suppliers: Are your mobile apps and web content accessible? Do those digital resources comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA? If not, it’s time to understand how to ensure that your learning resources, websites, and mobile apps are accessible, providing equitable access to all.

11:20AM – 12:00PM ET on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Presentation

Department of Justice Ruling: What Educational Institutions Can Do

Educational institutions are now responsible for ensuring that all digital learning resources are accessible. This presentation will discuss the steps toward a proactive strategy that addresses both the remediation of existing resources and securing new ones that are certified accessible, and why this is far more economical and accurate than attempting to retrofit digital materials on an ad hoc basis.

2:05PM – 3:00PM ET on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Webinar

The Equitable Trifecta: UDL, AEM, & AT

Join us to explore the National EdTech Plan and close digital divides in education! Learn how UDL, AEM and AT create a more accessible and equitable learning environment. This expert panel will share best practices to promote equity and agency in the classroom. Attend for a chance to win an Equitable Trifecta T-shirt from the Joy Zabala Fellowship Foundation!

1:00PM – 2:00PM ET on Thursday, November 14, 2024

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