Accessible Educational

Materials (AEM)
Braille, Tactile Graphics,
and Large Print Procurement
AGENDA

• Overview/Background
• Procurement Options & Processes
• Funding Considerations
• Questions
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that LEAs have
the responsibility to provide accessible materials for students
with print disabilities in a timely manner, at the same time as their
peers.
• Accessible formats districts currently procure include:
• Audio
• Closed Captioning
• Digital

• Accessible formats districts will procure include:

• Braille
• Large Print
• Tactile Graphics
IDEA § 300.172 (2006), amended 2007

I
Procurement Options
(Many districts may be doing all or some of these)
Acquire print materials in accessible formats by
1. Including accessibility contract language within purchase orders -
sample language found at Cast.org.

1. Using the district’s organization account within Bookshare to

download and request files for students who qualify.

1. Allocating resources to produce high quality accessible formats.

1. Requesting materials be transcribed into braille, large print and

tactile graphic formats.
• Internal Certified Transcriptionist (e.g., Heartland AEA)
• Iowa Department for the Blind
• Iowa Prison Industries
New Processes

• LEAs will establish a billing process with vendors for large print,
tactile graphics and braille transcription.

• Vendor(s) will directly bill LEAs for services.

• Quality assurance process will be implemented. AEAs and

IESBVI will work with LEAs to ensure materials meet national
standards.
Why is this changing?

• Consistency - LEAs currently provide other formats of accessible

educational materials to students who need them.
• Audio
• Digital
• Closed Captioning

• Accountability - LEAs have greater knowledge about whether or

not the student’s needs are an appropriate cost to charge to
Special Education weighted or IDEA funding sources.
Funding Considerations

• Proper Coding To Special Education (IDEA eligible students)

• General Fund (504 students)
• Total Supplies & Materials (Tuition In Billing Application)
• Possible High Cost Claim - discussion with SBO
• Transfer of responsibility will begin October 1, 2022
Iowa Vendors for Braille, Tactile Graphics, &
Large Print

• Instructional Materials Center - Iowa Department for the Blind

Email: imclibrary@blind.state.ia.us
Website: https://idbimclibrary.blog
Phone: 515-281-1323

• Anamosa Braille Center - Iowa Prison Industries

Email: lucas.timpe@iowa.gov
Website: iaprisonind.com
Phone: 319-462-3504 ext. 3344
Questions

Submit questions

MeLissa Lawson, Consultant, AEM & UDL

melissa.lawson@iowa.gov

Bill Roederer, School Finance Consultant

bill.roederer@iowa.gov