About the AEM Center
The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning at CAST provides technical assistance, coaching, and resources to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners with disabilities across the lifespan.
Why accessible materials & technologies?
Accessible versions of educational materials may mean the difference between learning barriers and learning opportunities.
NIMAS & NIMAC
NIMAS is a technical standard used by publishers to prepare “electronic files” that are used to convert instructional materials into accessible formats. NIMAC is a national center that stores NIMAS source files from publishers.
Featured AEM Center Resources
Learn more about AEM Center resources
AEM Takeaways
Dive into the AEM Takeaways series for quick, exciting lessons on accessible materials and technology! Watch short videos where AEM experts break down terms and practices, then get real-world insights from field professionals. Plus, explore extra resources to supercharge your training in schools, universities, or any setting you choose!
Fair Use and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
This brief presents an overview of the “fair use” doctrine under copyright law in relation to the provision of accessible texts to persons with disabilities.
J. Karger
2020
Open Education Resources: Ensuring Inclusive Learning in Uncertain Times
Situated at the intersection of where the OER field meets accessibility issues, this guide details a variety of resources useful for evaluating and selecting appropriate and accessible OERs.
A. Hashey, et al.
2021
AEM Navigator
Use the AEM Navigator to make informed, accurate decisions about the acquisition of accessible formats for students who need them.
AEM Center at CAST
2021
The Accessible Learning Experience
Turn learning barriers into learning opportunities by exploring the world of accessibility and Universal Design for Learning in this monthly podcast.
Upcoming AEM Center Events
Learn more about AEM Center events
SETDA Spotlight: CAST & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Join CAST and SETDA for a comprehensive look at Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This webinar dives into the UDL framework, emphasizing its principles and practical application in education. Discover how UDL aligns with the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), fostering inclusive and engaging learning experiences. Be part of the conversation to create an adaptive, inclusive future for all learners!2:00PM – 3:00PM ET on Thursday, May 16, 2024
The 3 AEMigos: AT, AEM and Accessible Technology
Come join the fun as CAST's TA Specialists at the National AEM Center clarify the concepts and relationships of accessible materials, assistive technology, and technology for supporting students with disabilities. Presenters will share resources and best practices for implementing them, and facilitate discussions and reflections among participants to help them apply the knowledge to their own contexts.2:45PM – 4:00PM MT on Monday, June 3, 2024
Designing for Accessibility from the Beginning: How to Create and Vet Accessible Materials
Join this session to gain insight on easy-to-implement techniques that can help the busy educator vet apps for accessibility quickly to decide which ones should be loved (and kept) and which ones should be…listed (as in passed on)! Learn to direct your limited resources to those apps that will better meet the needs of all of your learners.4:15PM – 5:30PM MT on Monday, June 3, 2024