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.
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.
Celebrating Joy
The Joy Zabala Fellowship in Assistive Technology & Accessible Educational Materials will support early career professionals in assistive technology and accessible materials. At CAST from 2007–2021, Joy was internationally known and beloved for her leadership and advocacy for learners with disabilities and their families.
Featured AEM Center Resources
Learn more about AEM Center resources
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.
Fair Use and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
This brief presents an overview of the “fair use” doctrine under copyright law in relation to the provision of accessible texts to persons with disabilities.
J. Karger
2020
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
Our Impact by the Numbers
Learn more about how our work impacts states and individuals through our universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance.
Upcoming AEM Center Events
Learn more about AEM Center events
Accessible Educational Materials in the IEP: Why, Where, and How
Individuals who develop Individual Education Programs (IEPs) will identify appropriate places to include a student's need for and use of accessible educational materials (AEM) and related technologies. Participants will be provided with action steps and resources to be prepared for their next IEP meeting.1:00PM – 2:00PM ET on Friday, March 3, 2023
Systems Change in Higher Ed Digital Accessibility
In this session, participants will be led through activities that demonstrate how the Quality Indicators can be implemented within their institutions. Freely available AEM Center resources, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, will be used throughout the session.Tuesday, March 14 – Friday, March 17, 2023
Coordinating State and Local Systems for Providing Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
The National AEM Center will share recommendations and resources from a cohort of seven states in their third year of creating coordinated statewide systems for providing AEM and technologies for learners with and without disabilities. You'll leave with tools to replicate these systems in your own settings.10:00AM – 11:00AM ET on Wednesday, June 28, 2023