March/April 2014

New!! The Provision of AIM to Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Many who are deaf or hard of hearing read far below grade level

This OSEP-vetted brief discusses two issues associated with the provision of accessible instructional materials (AIM) to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The first section describes the physical basis of reading challenges experienced by many students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The second section focuses on research pertaining to the use of sign language representations in conjunction with print and digital text for this population of students. Read more.

New!! Getting Started with Audio-Supported Reading (ASR)

Practical "how to" guide for students who are blind or visually impaired

Audio-supported reading (ASR) is a technology-based approach for accessing and working with text presented in either braille or enlarged (magnified) print. Dr. Richard Jackson describes how he uses technology to blend both reading and listening to dramatically increase his efficiency.

There are numerous combinations of hardware and software for ASR and it is important that individual users test out several combinations to determine what works best under various conditions. The Getting Started with ASR guide for parents, students, and teachers offers those who are new to ASR information needed to get started quickly and easily. Watch a brief video to learn more about ASR.

Webinar: AIM Basics 2014 - Introduction to AIM for Educators and Families

March 18, 2014: Special Evening Session 7-8 PM EDT

This webinar is for educators and families who are new to accessible instructional materials (AIM). This webinar provides current basic information about the provision of accessible instructional materials. Topics include legal issues, the changing language of AIM, a decision-making process, and how to locate and use supporting resources, including the AIM Quick Starts for Families and Educators web resource. Presenters: Joy Zabala, Diana Carl

Webinar: Navigating your Way to AIM in the IEP--Who Needs AIM and Where does AIM Fit?

March 20, 2014, 1-2 PM EDT

3 adults sitting around table with laptops

This webinar steps families and educators through a 4-step, decision-making model for considering a student's need for AIM with special attention to the supports and services needed for effective use of accessible materials by students who need them for participation and progress on IEP goals and in general education curriculum. Discussion will focus on technology, training, teaching strategies, support services and other accommodations/modifications with examples of where they might appear in the IEP. Presenters: Joy Zabala, Diana Carl

Register for the March 20th webinar

Webinar: Buy Accessible! What that Means and Why it Matters

March 25, 2014, 2-3 PM EDT

This webinar focuses on the purposes and benefits of purchasing digital learning materials that are designed with robust accessibility features. Examples of accessibility features in both content and delivery systems will be discussed and shared. Participants will be made aware of the tools and supports available through the AIM Center's PALM Initiative (Purchase Accessible Learning Materials). Presenters: Joy Zabala, Diana Carl, Chuck Hitchcock

Register for the March 25th webinar

Webinar: Making a Measurable Difference with Accessible Instructional Materials

April 1, 2014, 2-3 PM EDT

As more and more students are receiving accessible instructional materials formats in a timely manner, it is time to think about how these materials are impacting the educational outcomes of students to whom they are provided. This webinar will highlight three aspects in which change would be expected to occur and will consider ways to capture qualitative and quantitative data on these changes. Presenters: Joy Zabala, Joanne Karger

Register for the April 1st webinar

The AIM Center Seeks Your Assistance!

Brad Rose Consulting, an external evaluation firm, is conducting a confidential survey designed to gather feedback from you and other AIM Center users about the kinds of services and resources (e.g., AIM Center website, AIM Center webinars, AIM Center presentations, etc.) that you have used, and to determine the quality, utility, and relevance of these resources.

Please follow the link below to complete this survey. Also, please forward this request for participation to others, perhaps through mailing lists, communities of practice, parent organizations or other groups in which you participate.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014--AIM_Center_Survey_At-Large

Be assured that any identifying information you provide will not be associated or identified in any way with the responses and observations that you provide.

If you have any questions about the survey, please e-mail the AIM Center evaluator at bradrose1@comcast.net

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