AEM Basics
AIM or AEM?
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are materials designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format. In relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the term AIM refers to print instructional materials that have been transformed into four specialized formats (audio, braille, digital, and large print text). Sometimes students with disabilities have difficulty accessing print in the same way as their peers. To succeed in school, these students need learning materials presented in a way that works for them. In 2014, the term "accessible educational materials" or "AEM" was expanded to include both print- and technology-based educational materials including electronic textbooks, and related core materials. Practically speaking the terms AIM and AEM are often used interchangeably.
In the following video learn from AEM users, educators, parents, and state and national leaders about how AEM can be a game changer for those with print disabilities.
Video: AEM: An All Access Pass to Success
What is Audio Description (AD)?
When AD is enabled, descriptive language narrates what is on the screen. To learn more, visit our accessibility webpage.
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Captions / Transcript
You can access an interactive transcript for this video by selecting the Show Transcript icon
in the top right corner of the video when you select play.
You can turn on captions by selecting the Enable Captions icon
in the bottom right corner. Captions can also be turned on by selecting the Settings icon
, where you can also set your caption preferences.
You can use Spanish subtitles for this video by selecting Settings and choosing Spanish in the Captions drop down menu.
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
The following links provide additional information about AEM.