 | June, 2010
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AIM Implementation Guide and Video -Just in Time for Summer!
While the 88-page AIM Implementation Guide (Updated, April 2010) may not be your idea of a "beach read," it is, we think, a wonderfully comprehensive, step-by-step guide you can use to think through how you might bring accessible instructional materials into your school or district. Wondering about how to get buy-in for AIM? The AIM Implementation Video creates a compelling case with student and teacher testimonials and data. Learn about the 20 high school students with learning disabilities who used text-to-speech technology and AIM in Missouri... - 95% of the students graduated on time
- 85% improved their grades
- 55% increased the amount of time spent in general education and decreased the time they received special education
- 95% decreased their reliance on human assistance
- 55% increase in parent satisfaction
Read the guide, watch the video and tell us what you think: aim@cast.orgThese resources are part of a suite of products and services brought to you through the work of the 15-state AIM Consortium. |
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AIM Product Tutorials: Learn About the Variety of AT Software Supporting AIM
Developed by the AIM Consortium and the Michigan Department of Education, these tutorials are a great way to learn about 10 of the major commercially available software products for accessing text that support the use of AIM. The AIM Product Tutorials are detailed video demonstrations of product features - segmented into several short, focused video clips - making it easy for you to select exactly what you want to explore about each of the products. A downloadable transcript is also available for each video. To explore the benefits and limitations of different features, try out the features first by using the free AIM Explorer simulation. All in all, a great way to build your knowledge over the summer! These resources are part of a suite of products and services brought to you through the work of the 15-state AIM Consortium. |
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Free Summer AIM Webinars -Registration Now Available
Register for the AIM Webinars on the AIM Center website.
For All Audiences
AIM Basics:A General Introduction to Accessible Instructional Materials. Strongly suggested as a prerequisite for other webinars.
July 13, 1-2 PM (EST)
August 10, 3-4 PM (EST)
Presenter: Joy Zabala
Audience: General
For System-Level Leaders
Consider the Possibilities: Ensuring the Provision of Accessible Materials to Students NOT Certified as Having a Print Disability Under Copyright Law
July 13, 3-4 PM (EST)
Presenters: Joy Zabala, Skip Stahl, Chuck Hitchcock
Audience: SEA and LEA leaders
For Student-Level Leaders
What's Fair and Unfair About the Fair-Use Provision in Copyright Law
August 10, 1-2 PM (EST)
Presenters: Joy Zabala, Chuck Hitchcock
Audience: Educators and families
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There's More Than One Way to Stay Connected...
In addition to the AIM Facebook page and AIM Twitter feed, we've added two more options for staying connected to the latest news and discussion on accessible instructional materials: the new AIM and NIMAS IG (IG=Interest Group) listservs. Sign up for the AIM.IG listserv. It's a perfect way to stay informed about AIM policy & practice, and ask questions about implementation at the state and district level. Participation by parents is also encouraged. Discussions might include, for example, news about new assistive technologies and services available from accessible media producers. Sign up for the NIMAS.IG listserv. It's for those who are interested in learning more about technical issues related to XML, NIMAS filesets, conversions, and production tools. Discussions might include, for example, issues related to image properties, XML markup and Math ML. Coming Soon: In the very near future, we will be adding an online discussion forum for those who prefer that approach and perhaps find it easier to follow the thread of a topical discussion using a discussion forum. |
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STAY CONNECTED
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Meet the AIM Center Team |
Ge Vue, AIM Center  |  | | Ge Vue, Ed.M., is an Instructional Designer/Research Associate at CAST. As part of the AIM team, Ge is focused on integrating accessible collaborative tools and social media practices into the AIM Center's work. At CAST, he is interested in developing social learning technologies and is instrumental in the development of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) digital literacy environments to support reading, writing, and assessment. He is also interested in the creative use of emerging technology to create flexible learning environments.
Coming Soon to the AIM Center: An accessible digital version of an article written and designed by Ge and David Rose (CAST Co-Founder). They apply UDL principles of design, transforming the static print article into an interactive, universally designed for learning, article. |
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Technical Assistance Tips
| | Summer is upon us in a big way! I would like to highlight three opportunities to stay connected while you are, I hope, taking some time for recreation and relaxation!
First, check out the Collaboration section of the AIM Center website. You will see a number of opportunities to connect with others with interests and responsibilities related to the provision of AIM.
Second, consider putting aside an hour or two to attend a webinar or two. There will be two opportunities to "get the basics," a session for educators and families focusing on "Fair Use" and a session for system-level folks on ways to address the needs of students who are not certified as having a print disability as defined by copyright statute. Conversation should be lively and informative!
Third, check out the podcasts from the Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) Statewide Conference held in San Antonio, TX. Mike Marotta conducted some great interviews with presenters, including a couple that feature Diana Carl and me. Link to podcasts. As always, we look forward to spending time with you!
Joy Zabala
Director of Technical Assistance
CAST and National Center on AIM |
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About the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials |
With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, we are a national technical assistance and dissemination center dedicated to ensuring that students with print disabilities receive instructional materials in formats that are accessible to them in a timely manner. We serve as a go-to resource for state- and district-level administrators, educators, parents, publishers, conversion houses, accessible media producers, and others interested in implementing AIM and NIMAS in accordance with IDEA 2004. Learn more about the AIM Center.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, nor does mention of other organizations imply endorsement of those organizations. |
Visit our other sites to learn more about CAST and Universal Design for Learning
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© Copyright 2010, NATIONAL CENTER ON ACCESSIBLE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS at CAST, Inc.
Tel: (781) 245 2212 | Email: aim@cast.org
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