Accessible Educational Materials and Technologies in the IEP
Diana Carl, Joy Zabala, & Joanne Karger
PublisherNational Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center)
Description
Questions often arise about how accessible educational materials (AEM) and technologies might be included in individualized education programs (IEPs). This resource discusses a number of locations in the IEP where it might be appropriate to refer to a student’s use of AEM. The right to accessible educational materials when needed is an inherent component of the obligation of SEAs and LEAs to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). There is no specific requirement in IDEA regarding where to include the consideration and documentation of AEM in developing the IEP. However, to promote clarity and consistency across IEP teams, SEAs and LEAs are encouraged to provide guidance related to considering a student's need for accessible materials and technologies in the IEP.
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
Print- and technology-based educational materials designed to be usable across the widest range of individual variability.
View in glossaryTechnology
Equipment or system where principal function is creation, conversion, duplication, control, display, interchange, transmission, reception, or broadcast of data.
View in glossaryIndividual Education Program (IEP)
Written plan individually developed for students identified as having a disability under IDEA.
View in glossaryLocal Education Agency (LEA)
Agency legally authorized to provide administrative control or direction of publically funded schools.
View in glossaryFree Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Under IDEA, special education is provided at public expense, under public supervision, and without charge.
View in glossaryIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Federal law governing rights of children with disabilities to receive free and appropriate public education in least restrictive environment.
View in glossaryCite As
Carl, D., Zabala, J., & Karger, J. (2018). Accessible educational materials and technologies in the IEP. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. Retrieved [insert date] from http://aem.cast.org/about/publications/2018/aem-iep.html