NATIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD (NIMAS) - Regulations

4. Establish requirements for the preparation and delivery of files.

If an SEA chooses to coordinate with the NIMAC, as of December 3, 2006, the SEA must:
  • As part of any print instructional materials adoption process, procurement contract, or other practice or instrument used for purchase of print instructional materials, enter into a written contract with the publisher of the print instructional materials to:
    • Require the publisher to prepare and, on or before delivery of the print instructional materials, provide to NIMAC electronic files containing the contents of the print instructional materials using the NIMAS; or
    • Purchase instructional materials from the publisher that are produced in, or may be rendered in, specialized formats.
    • Provide instructional materials to blind persons or other persons with print disabilities in a timely manner.
[34 CFR 300.172(c)] [20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(23)(C)]

Dialogue Starter - Cross-stakeholder

Reaction Questions

  1. How do the preparation and delivery requirements benefit teaching and learning for students with disabilities?


  2. Why would it be important for the publisher to have the electronic formats to NIMAC prior to the delivery of the print materials to the school district?


Application Questions

  1. What are the possibilities of different contractual arrangements between the SEA and/or the publisher?


  2. How might families, schools, and other agencies collaborate to secure and provide materials for students with disabilities? What agencies are already doing this work? To what extent will these agencies be involved in this work?

    These questions were developed by the following stakeholders working together:

    Role: Teacher
    Location: California

    Role: Related Service Provider
    Location: Connecticut

    Role: Educational Consultant
    Location: Florida

    Role: Related Service Provider
    Location: Florida

    Role: Special Education Administrator
    Location: Florida

    Role: General Education Administrator
    Location: Illinois

    Role: Teacher
    Location: Minnesota

    Role: Family Member
    Location: West Virginia

    Role: TA Provider
    Location: Massachusetts