AIM FOR FAMILIES
Access information and resources for families and students on topics such as AIM at home and at school, assistive technology, and alternate-format learning materials.
AIM Factsheet for Parents
View our factsheet for parents to learn more about accessible instructional materials for your child.
AIM Basics for Families (2011)
View, print out, or place an order for this guidebook co-developed by the PACER and AIM centers. AIM Basics for Families is a concise overview of key issues and processes for families to consider regarding accessible instructional materials. Also available: AIM Básica para Familias.
AIM: A Technical Guide for Families and Advocates (2011)
View, print out, or place an order for this in-depth guidebook co-developed by PACER and the AIM centers. Review AIM: A Technical Guide for Families and Advocates for a more in-depth exploration of the decisions, processes, and resources available to families and parent advocates.
Provision of AIM via NIMAS/NIMAC (2012)
This brief explains provisions that were included in IDEA 2004 to improve the quality and delivery of accessible instructional materials to students with print disabilities.
Right of Students to Receive AIM (2012)
The purpose of this brief is to help families understand the legal provisions underlying the right of students with disabilities who need accessible instructional materials to receive these materials in a timely manner. This right is based on provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as in the disability civil rights statutes Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Services and Supports for Parents
Learn about the national network of parent centers and other resources for supporting parents interested in improving learning outcomes for their children with disabilities.
AIM at School
In this section, information relevant to families regarding students’ use of AIM at school is provided.
AIM at Home
Here we explore the use of AIM at home by students and their families. Resources include information about coordination of products and services, hardware and software, and online resources of interest to parents.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology refers to devices that are used by people with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible for them to do. Assistive technology is defined in federal statutes as any item, piece of equipment, or product whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a person with disabilities. It was first defined in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act in 1988 (the Tech Act) and has been used in all subsequent laws passed that refer to assistive technology, including the re-authorization of the Technology Act as the Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act (AT Act), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“For Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”
(Radabaugh, 1988)
Visit the State Resources page for additional AT resources for states, districts, and families.
