Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 17, 2025 Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) empower students to access the curriculum in ways that meet their unique learning needs. For students with visual impairments, materials like braille, large print, digital text, and audio open doors to literacy, independence, and academic success.
What Are Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)?Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)—also known as Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)—are print and technology-based materials designed or adapted so that all students, including those with disabilities, can use them effectively. AIM can include textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, audio recordings, e-books, digital files, videos, and tactile materials presented in accessible formats such as braille, large print, audio, digital text, and tactile graphics. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students who cannot access standard print must be provided with accessible formats to participate in the general curriculum.
“Accessible Educational Materials, or Accessible Instructional Materials, are print and technology-based educational materials that include printed and electronic textbooks and related core materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format (print, digital, graphical, audio, video). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifically focuses on accessible formats of print instructional materials.” ~ National Center on Accessible Educational Materials Who Needs AEM?Students may need AIM if they:
How are decisions made?The need for AIM is typically identified through:
Types of AIM by FormatLarge Print
Braille
Audio
Digital Text
Grade-Level AIM PrioritiesThese are suggestions only. Customize and adapt to the student's needs.
Pre-K–K
Object labels, tactile books, audio read-alouds, picture-supported text, uncontracted braille Grades 1–2 Large print books, emergent braille, basic screen readers, and audio books Grades 3–5 Contracted braille, digital text with read-aloud, Bookshare access, tactile graphics Middle School E-textbooks, screen readers (JAWS/VoiceOver), refreshable braille, navigation skills for audio High School DAISY books, NIMAC content, digital notetaking tools, advanced audio/digital navigation, dual media strategies Key Resources for AIMNational Center on Accessible Educational Materials
Accessible Instructional Materials help level the playing field by removing print access barriers. Choosing the right format—and teaching students how to use it—is crucial for independence and success across the curriculum.
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Guiding Principles Functional Skills Community Based Experiences Concepts to Teach Access to Instruction Organization & Study Skills Time Management Virtual Instruction Movies & Assemblies Lectures & Instruction Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.) Daily Schedule Morning Meeting Weather Check Dramatic Play Blocks Numbers & Counting Cranmer Abacus Instruction Algebra Geometry & Spatial Sense Measurement & Data Early Literacy Experiences Create Tactual Books Reading Instruction Reading Efficiency Science Adaptations Social Studies Adaptations Communication Modes Accessible Educational Materials Individual Schedules & Communication Cards Adjust Lighting Large Print Optical Devices for Near Optical Devices for Distance Optical Device Use Photocopying Font Legibility Increase Contrast Pictures & Worksheets Keyboarding Instruction Word Processing and Shortcuts Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse Braille Code Braille Instruction Braille Instruction Materials Writing Braille Summer Reading (braille) Signature & Handwriting Nemeth Braille Code Tactile Graphics Guidelines Creating Tactile Graphics Tactile Graphics Instruction Teacher Made Materials Labeling System assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology VI AT Resources Non-Optical Low Vision Devices Video Magnifiers Video Magnifier Instruction Screen Enlargement & Readers Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices Notetaker Instruction Braillewriter Repair Tactile Graphics Technology Braille Technology Auditory Access Devices Accessing Audio Books iPads as Instructional Tools Making iOS Device Accessible iOS Accessibility Resources VoiceOver Apps for VI Note Taking apps Apps for Accessing Books Identification Apps Navigation & Location Apps Braille Apps Magnifier Apps Sound Making Apps Cause & Effect Apps Vision Skills Apps Apps for Early Learning Read to Me Story Apps Apps for Communication Android Apps for VI sensory efficiency
Sensory Input Encourage Use of Vision Sensory Area & Rooms Lightbox Use Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities Sensory Tables Visual Efficiency Skills Visual Attend and Scan Activities Visual Tracking Activities Visual Discrimination Activities Visual Motor Activities Tactual Readiness Developing Skillful Hands Auditory Readiness Listening Skill Instruction independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
recreation & Leisure
self determination
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