What is NIMAS? is also available in Word format.
NIMAS is a technical standard used by publishers to produce source files (in XML) that may be used to develop multiple specialized formats (such as Braille or audio books) for students with print disabilities.
The source files are prepared using Extensible Markup Language (XML) to mark up the structure of the original content and provide a means for presenting the content in a variety of ways and styles. For example, once a NIMAS fileset has been produced for printed materials, the XML and image source files may be used to create Braille, large print, HTML versions, DAISY talking books using human voice or text-to-speech, audio files derived from text-to-speech transformations, and more.
The separation of content from presentation is an important feature of the NIMAS approach. In most cases, a human /sites/nimas.dev.cast.org/will need to enhance the source files to provide additional features needed by diverse learners.
The various specialized formats created from NIMAS filesets may then be used to support a very diverse group of learners who qualify as students with print disabilities. It is important to note that most elementary and secondary educational publishers do not own all of the electronic rights to their textbooks and related core print materials and a copyright exemption allows them to deliver the electronic content of a textbook and the related core print materials to the NIMAC, a national repository which began operations on 12/3/06, as long as the publishers possess the print rights. NIMAS applies to instructional materials published on or after 7/19/06.
The NIMAS Workflow Graphic provides details regarding the various steps involved in the whole NIMAS cycle from states adopting NIMAS and agreeing to coordinate with the national repository, the NIMAC, the role of states and local districts in prompting publishers to develop and deliver the NIMAS fileset to the NIMAC, the file validation process, the download of files from the NIMAC by Authorized Users appointed by states and by Accessible Media Producers when requested by Authorized Users, the preparation of accessible specialized formats and finally, delivery to students that qualify.
The specialized formats are intended to be used by students who are blind, have low vision, have physical disabilities and/or have reading disabilities due to organic dysfunction such as dyslexia. The graphic also features a shortcut promoting a market model when publishers are able to obtain the electronic rights to the content and then prepare and sell specialized formats directly to schools.
The NIMAS Workflow Graphic is also available in PDF format.
A text description alternative to the NIMAS Workflow Graphic is also available.
The NIMAS Development and Technical Assistance Center, supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), works with states, TA systems, disability advocates, national associations, technology experts, publishers and content conversion houses to improve the timely delivery of high quality accessible educational materials to students with disabilities.The NIMAS Center was launched on October 1, 2004.The project officer for both the Development and TA Centers is Bonnie Jones, Ed.D. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the Department of Education's position or policy.