NIMAS at CAST: Alternate Formats and Learning Materials

On this page:

State Resources
Specialized Sources of Digital Content
- Specialized Sources of Audio Content
- Specialized Sources of Digital Electronic Text
Making Math and Science Accessible
Mainstream Sources of Digital Content
- Mainstream Sources of Digital Audio Content
- Mainstream Sources of Digital Electronic Text

People with print disabilities may find the following references helpful as they attempt to locate sources of digital content. This page highlights accessible options for obtaining both digital electronic text and digital audio. Some resources focus specifically on serving individuals with print reading disabilities while others offer content more widely.

State Resources

State-level resources may be helpful in identifying local organizations and companies that can support content development. State Assistive Technology Act Programs and Instructional Resource Centers for the Blind and Visually Impaired may prove useful places to begin inquiries.

Specialized Sources of Digital Content

Individuals with print-based disabilities often benefit from texts available in alternate formats, including digital electronic text, digital audio narration, braille, large print, or sometimes even combinations of these. Consumers are urged to consult the Web sites provided here to determine which formats may be available and if they must qualify in order to access content or become members.

Specialized Sources of Audio Content

Specialized Sources of Digital Electronic Text

The American Printing House for the Blind is one resource from which qualified students may obtain textbooks in formats such as braille and large print. APH is expected to serve as the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). Authorized entities will be able to obtain NIMAS content from the Center. For more information about APH's current activities, see the Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration Project.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)'s Talking Book Archives consists of an electronic archive of a selection of AFB's production over the last 75 years and includes other features such as an online e-book exhibit, a timeline, and related links.

Additional resources include:

Accessible Book Collection
Bookshare.org
California Community Colleges Book Exchange Server
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (a primary source of electronic braille)
Texas Text Exchange

Making Math and Science Accessible

Making math and science accessible is a challenge that is being addressed in order to better meet the needs of K-12 students with print-based disabilities. Several organizations are engaged in activities to improve access in this area. The DAISY Consortium has formed a working group to address this issue.

Work of interest is being done by Design Science and gh.

The University of Washington's DO-IT Program has had experience in math and science accessibility and offers other materials that schools may find useful.

Mainstream Sources of Digital Content

The sources mentioned below may offer content that is free or available for sale. Digital electronic text and digital audio content may also be provided to patrons through public libraries. Check with your local library about the resources listed here, as well as other services to which your library may subscribe. Online book stores such as Amazon.com and Powell's Books also sell audio and electronic books.

Mainstream Sources of Digital Audio Content

One resource to consult is the Audio Publishers Association. Local book stores often stock digital audio books either on cassette or CD.

In addition, consider:

Mainstream Sources of Digital Electronic Text

For an overview of electronic texts and publishing, consult this fact sheet from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress: NLS Fact Sheet Selected Sources for Electronic Texts. Some resources found on this fact sheet may be replicated in the lists below.

Resources presented here may offer free or restricted content. Note that some electronic texts require specific software, and/or a specific computer platform, to read the content. Before downloading and/or purchasing content, be sure that you both have the software required to read it and that the resulting reading experience will be accessible to you.

One example of content that requires software to read it is the Microsoft Lit format. For more information and to download this software, go to the Microsoft Reader page.

The following list contains both databases and direct sources of content:

Last Updated: January 9, 2008