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What is the NIMAC?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 established the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) to serve as a national repository of National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) source files for accessible media production of textbooks and related printed core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction.

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How does the NIMAC work?

The NIMAC receives NIMAS file sets from publishers, catalogs these files, and makes them available for download by Authorized Users, who are identified and registered with the NIMAC by a representative of the state department of education. Once downloaded, the file sets are then converted into a student-ready specialized format. These formats are braille, audio, or digital text which is exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities, and includes large print formats when distributed exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities.

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Who is eligible to receive formats produced from NIMAS file sets?

IDEA states that access to these files is to benefit blind or other persons with print disabilities in elementary schools and secondary schools. IDEA also defines this population and defines both print instructional materials and specialized formats in PART D. Sec. 674(e)(3). For more information, see: http://nimas.cast.org/about/idea2004/index.html

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Can students directly receive these files?

Because NIMAS files are source files, and are not student-ready, they are not distributed directly to the student. As such, the impact of the NIMAC is at the level of those who produce specialized formats "behind the scenes." However, anyone is welcome to search the NIMAC database via the web.

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Where can I find information about student-ready accessible texts?

Louis, the Database of Accessible Materials for People who Are Blind or Visually Impaired lists the availability of books and other materials in specialized formats, including braille and audio. Louis is a free source of information available via the web at: http://www.aph.org/louis/index.html

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How do I find out how my state is working with NIMAS?

Parents and Teachers likely will follow the same channels they always have for obtaining finished specialized formats. However, if you have questions about how your state is working with NIMAS, you may want to contact your NIMAS state contact. A list of these individuals can be found at: http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/nimas_nimac_contacts.html

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How can I find additional help for a blind or visually-impaired student?

Parents and Teachers who need assistance for students who are blind may find the list of American Printing House for the Blind Ex Officio trustees helpful: http://www.aph.org/fedquotpgm/trustees.html

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As a teacher, where can I find guidance on locating accessible materials?

The NIMAS Technical Assistance Center has prepared "An Educator's Guide to the Acquisition of Alternate Format Core Learning Materials for Pre-K-12 Students with Print Disabilities" with information about obtaining accessible educational materials. It may be found here:

http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/accessible_textbooks.html

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How can I learn more about NIMAC?

For more information, please refer to our General FAQ found at: http://www.nimac.us/faq_general.html

The NIMAC is funded by a grant by the U.S. Department of Education and is based at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky. We began operations on December 3, 2006.

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