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Accessible Media Producers

What is an AMP?

Accessible Media Producers (AMPs) create fully-accessible student materials in formats like braille, large-print, digital, or audio books. The NIMAC works with AMPs who are contracted by Authorized Users (AUs) to provide publisher-generated NIMAS files for their specialized production needs.

NIMAS and MathML

What is MathML?

MathML is “Mathematical markup language” that allows math expressions and scientific notation to be coded in XML files (like NIMAS) so that the content can be automatically rendered accessible by software or devices that know how to read the code.

By default, math content is provided in NIMAS file sets as images, as this is how the content is usually supplied in print books. However, images cannot be easily converted into accessible formats like braille or audio.

MathML provides a greatly expanded opportunity for the automated conversion of math content into accessible formats. However, in order for students to benefit from MathML, software developers and AT vendors must build MathML support into their products.

Is MathML required in NIMAS files?

MathML is not a requirement of the NIMAS specification; however in July of 2012, OSERS sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to SEAs encouraging that a MathML requirement be included in the NIMAS language of print book adoption contracts and purchase agreements.

What software can I use to convert or display MathML?

For information on software that supports MathML, please visit the MathML in NIMAS page on the National Center for AEM website. Braille transcribers may also be interested in BrailleBlaster, which can directly import NIMAS XML and will soon provide the ability to convert NIMAS with MathML into braille math. For more information on this software, visit BrailleBlaster.org.

My software can’t work with files that contain MathML. Can you help?

Because not all software or AT supports MathML at this time, NIMAS requires that publishers continue to also supply “fallback” images in the file set. If your software is not yet able to work with MathML, or access the images automatically, just contact the NIMAC for further assistance.

AMP Updates

  • DAISY Pipeline NIMAS to EPUB Conversion

    The DAISY Pipeline is a free tool that can be used to convert NIMAS to EPUB. NIMAS is a subset of DAISY 3 (DTBook), and the Pipeline script is called “DTBook to EPUB 3.” The Pipeline uses this script to convert a NIMAS file to a student-ready EPUB file. Check out this short how-to video…

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  • Free Training Courses for Braille Transcribers Working with NIMAS Files

    In the first half of 2022, the NIMAC was pleased to offer two free online courses to support braille transcribers who work with NIMAS files. These courses are archived here.

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  • Spring 2021 NIMAC Updates

    This webinar covers many important NIMAC updates including: the new NLS guidelines and updated NIMAC agreements, the new NIMAS Validation tool development, the NIMAC’s technical assistance “gap analysis work,” and more. You can also download the Powerpoint (available in English or Spanish) to keep for future reference!

    Continue Reading: Spring 2021 NIMAC Updates