• Teaching and Training Resources
  • Webinars
  • Presentations
  • AIM Online Courses
  • AIM Implementation Guide
  • AIMing for Achievement DVD
  • Supports for Using AIM

Supports for Using AIM

Using printed materials requires learners to have many skills–to be able to open a book, turn the pages, see, decode and process words, phrases and ideas–to access and comprehend the information contained in the printed book. Using specialized formats–braille, large print, audio or digital text–may require even more of learners as they learn to use multiple senses–aural, tactile and visual–alone or simultaneously to access and comprehend information. Additionally, each of the specialized formats offer some unique challenges. Many require the learner to use technology as a delivery system for the information and others, even the deceptively "simple" large print, may require the development of specialized skills to use and navigate through the materials effectively, especially when using the specialized format in classes where printed materials and specialized formats are being used by a group.

The differences between the use of "typical" printed text and the use of specialized formats are significant enough that when specialized formats are introduced both teachers and learners have many adjustments to make. It is likely that both will need to develop some degree of proficiency with new or unfamiliar technology, use different strategies, and need different supports to teach and learn.

This section contains practical tips and ideas for educators, learners and families as AIM is introduced and used to support learning. This section will grow as more educators, students and families and researchers share their thoughts, ideas, and lessons learned.

AIM Tips: Ideas for Introducing and Using AIM

The AIM Tips video series provide educators with tips for supporting students to use accessible instructional materials (AIM) in the classroom, help students and teachers to develop the skills and proficiency in using technology with AIM, encourage students to be knowledgeable of their disability and become self-advocates for technology and services in K-12 and post secondary, and share strategies and supports for using AIM at home.