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What are Authorized Users?

Authorized Users (AUs) of the NIMAC have direct access to the NIMAC to download NIMAS file sets or assign NIMAS file sets for download by an Accessible Media Producer (AMP). All AUs must sign a NIMAC Limitation of Use Agreement in order to receive a user ID and password for downloading or assigning files.

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How do I become an Authorized User?

1. Authorized Users are designated by the NIMAC state coordinator. The State Coordinator registers each AU using the NIMAC online system.
2. State Coordinators may name up to 5 (five) AUs. If additional accounts are needed, the coordinator may contact NIMAC at NIMAC@aph.org
3. When an AU is registered, the Limitation of Use Agreement (LUA) is automatically sent to the email address entered for that authorized user.
4. Sign the LUA and mail a hard copy to the NIMAC:
   
   National Instructional Materials Access Center
   1839 Frankfort Ave.
   Louisville, KY 40206-0085
   
   
5. Once the LUA is received by NIMAC, the AU will receive a user ID and password information in two automated emails.
6. The AU will also receive an email with instructions on how to log into the NIMAC.
7. The AU can then log in to the NIMAC, search and download files, or assign files to an Accessible Media Producer (AMP).

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Can I create subaccounts using my AU account?

A NIMAC authorized user is allowed to establish two temporary and renewable subaccounts to assist in downloading NIMAS files or assigning the files to an AMP.

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Can there be more than 5 Authorized Users?

We have asked that those states that feel they may need more than 5 authorized users send a request to us explaining both why they need more than 5 and how many they need.

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How can I get test NIMAS files so my agency can begin learning how to work with the files?

The NIMAC is not able to release files or grant permission to use files for testing purposes. We recommend contacting publisher contacts who have been used in the past for requesting Braille files. Many of these same persons are now involved with NIMAS production. The Association of American Publishers maintains a list of contacts for Braille-related questions here: www.publishers.org/SchoolDiv/issues/issues_01_Access_pages/issues_01_Access_01.htm

The Association of American Publishers provides contact information for rights and permissions for publishers and for specific imprints here: www.publishers.org/about/rpacurls.cfm

APH also maintains a list at: http://www.aph.org/louis/braillepub.html

NIMAS exemplars can also be found at the web site for the NIMAS Technical Assistance Center at CAST: http://nimas.cast.org/center/index.html

Specific questions about the NIMAS specification may be directed to Chuck Hitchcock, the director of the NIMAS Technical Assistance Center:

EMAIL: chitchcock@cast.org
TEL: 781-245-2212 x233

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How do AMPs access files through the NIMAC?

AMPs only have access to NIMAC files which have been assigned to them by an Authorized User. When you search in the portal and find a file that you need, you may either download that file yourself, or you may choose the option to assign the file to an AMP. The AMP is notified by email that the file is waiting in its download queue, and the AMP can then log in directly and download the file.

For more information, there is an archived webcast power point on our website, www.nimac.us, entitled "NIMAC Basics for Authorized Users."

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How much do NIMAC files cost?

There is no charge to download any file from NIMAC.

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How do I select between NIMAC AMPs?

Authorized Users who wish to use the services of an AMP do so directly. NIMAC does not make or negotiate those arrangements between Authorized Users and AMPs. The NIMAC provides a means to facilitate the delivery of files from an Authorized User to an AMP. However, NIMAC does not endorse any AMP or vouch for its quality or warrant its services. Authorized Users should use the same criteria as in the past for selecting the most appropriate AMP for a given project.

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What if my favorite AMP is not registered with the NIMAC?

You may contact the AMP and invite them to register with NIMAC if you would like them to be able to download the files directly. Or, you can always download the file yourself, burn it to CD or DVD and send it to the AMP. In other words, AUs are not limited to only those AMPs who are registered with NIMAC. They may choose any AMP they wish.

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What if I want to download a file and hand it directly to a student?

NIMAS files are source files and are not student-ready. They require conversion into a fully-accessible format before distribution to students.

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What hardware and software requirements would you recommend to support the downloading of NIMAS files?

Because a NIMAS file may include hundreds or even thousands of images, a single NIMAS file set can be several GB in size. As such, NIMAC recommends that users who will be downloading files use a high-speed Internet connection.

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What if I don't need the images as a part of the download?

AUs and AMPs will have the option of downloading the NIMAS XML file without the images. These files are relatively small and are much faster to download.

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