BIG NEWS!
NIMAC 2.0 is live as of January 6, 2010! This is a complete update of the NIMAC database system with new features and a new look!
Click Below to Download New PowerPoints for NIMAC Users!
NIMAC for AUs
NIMAC for Publishers & Vendors
NIMAC for AMPs
NIMAC for State Coordinators
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We are a federally-funded, national electronic file repository that makes National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) files available for the production of core print instructional materials in specialized formats. Created under IDEA 2004, the NIMAC receives source files in NIMAS format from textbook publishers, and makes these files available for download to Authorized Users in the United States and its territories through an online database. Once downloaded, files can be used to create a variety of specialized formats, such as braille, audio, or digital text, on behalf of qualifying blind, visually-impaired or print-disabled students in elementary or secondary school.
Please note that NIMAS files are source files and as such they are not student-ready files that can be handed off directly to a student in the classroom. In order to create the braille, audio, digital text, or other format, appropriate technology and training are necessary to convert files into the finished product.
The NIMAC provides a mechanism for getting NIMAS source files created by publishers into the hands of state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs) and their accessible media producers (AMPs) as quickly as possible. This helps ensure that the needed specialized format is ready for the student as soon as possible, without unnecessary delays at the beginning of the production process.
Because files are not student-ready, only a small number of users in each state—those who are responsible for accessible media production—have direct access to files. Most individuals who are seeking student-ready formats will go through the same agencies and channels as in the past to acquire these formats.
Please be sure to check the Louis Database of Accessible Materials to search for textbooks in accessible formats: Louis Database.
For more information about IDEA 2004, including definitions for terms such as, "specialized formats," "blind, visually-impaired and print disabled," and "print instructional materials", please see this link at the CAST site: NIMAS in IDEA 2004.
Learn more about the NIMAC Advisory Council.
Policy Announcements
As of January 23, 2009, states may name organizations which are "authorized entities" under the Chafee amendment to serve as NIMAC Authorized Users, whether or not these agencies are from within the educational structure of the state. Click here to review the official policy notice: NIMAC Expanded AU Policy
As of June 14, 2007, "Advance copy" file sets will not be accepted by the NIMAC. Click link to review the official policy notice as updated on August 24, 2007. NIMAC Policy Regarding Advance Copy File Sets
