ALL ABOUT AIM

What are AIM?

Accessible instructional materials, or AIM, are materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format (print, digital, graphical, audio, video). IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) specifically focuses on accessible formats of print instructional materials. In relation to IDEA, the term AIM refers to print instructional materials that have been transformed into the specialized formats of braille, large print, audio, or digital text.

Braille

Large Print

Audio

Digital Text

What does NIMAS have to do with AIM?

NIMAS stands for the “National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard.” It is a technical standard used by publishers to produce electronic source files that can be used to develop specialized formats (braille, large print, audio or digital text) for students with print disabilities. NIMAS is related to AIM in that all students with disabilities who need AIM must be provided these materials in a timely manner, but only some students qualify for NIMAS sourced materials. Learn more about NIMAS

Why provide AIM?

MEET JUSTIN

"I remember the story from the pictures in the book but when it comes to reading words, I never could."
Read his story

For some students, printed instructional materials can be a barrier to participation and achievement in the general education curriculum. Learn about key federal statutes and funded national centers with resources supporting the provision of accessible instructional materials.

How are decisions made about AIM?

AIM NAVIGATOR

Navigate the decision-making process with this free, online tool.

Learn about a four-step decision making process for teams to determine the needs of students with print disabilities and make appropriate suggestions regarding selection, acquisition, and use of AIM.

The four steps of the decision-making process

1 NEED

2 SELECTION

3 ACQUISITION

4 USE

Where can I learn more?

Whether you are interested in learning more about the legal context for AIM, the decision-making process, or more about resources available from the AIM Center, reading the three articles in the AIMing for Achievement series is a perfect way to build your knowledge.