AIM Virginia 101 Free accessible materials for students with disabilities

Overview The Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities ◦George Mason University  AIM-VA I.D.E.A –Part 300- Subpart B- Sec ◦“Timely Manner”.

What are accessible materials? Materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability ◦Universal Design  The “What” of learning

What are accessible materials? Print instructional materials that have been transformed into the specialized formats of braille, large print, audio, or digital text.

What does AIM-VA do? Accessible Media Producer ◦5 “from scratch” formats ◦4 NIMAC sourced formats ◦4 partner based formats Statewide training ◦In-person ◦Distance Learning Technical Support

AIM-VA Partners NIMAC Bookshare Learning Ally DBVI Don Johnston

Benefits of AIM Access to otherwise lost information Built-in note taking/organizational features Modern AIM- Modern Devices Independence

Eligibility Available online: ◦Online quiz ◦Printable flowchart *TAKE NOTE* AIM-VA eligibility is not the same as national partner eligibility

Organic Dysfunction Organic dysfunction means the cause of the reading disability is physically based and it does not include reading difficulties that are caused by social or environmental factors, or educational deficiencies. Examples of an organic dysfunction may include conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and aphasia.

Organic Dysfunction Headache/Migraine Huntington's disease Learning disabilities Motor System Disorders Neurological Issues (including ataxia, degeneration, dementia, palsies, encephalitis) Overuse disorders / Repetitive motion disorders Paralysis Seizure Disorders Stroke Tumors ADHD Asperger syndrome Autism Cancers Chronic pain Developmental Disorders Dyscalculia Dyslexia Dysgraphia Dyspraxia Epilepsy Gerstmann's syndrome Head/Brain injuries Headache/Migraine

You may use this sample note as eligible documentation. A note is valid as long as it contains the students name, disability classification, and doctors signature.

Who can order? Educators w/ valid school ◦DRMs Every division has at least one administrative user

Parent Access on AIM-VA Don Johnston’s Read:OutLoud 6 Can search AIM-VA’s library and resources ◦Teachers must order materials created by AIM- VA Independent accounts on Learning Ally and Bookshare AIM-VA helpdesk and technical assistance

Formats Parents can get direct access to: -Audio -Daisy -BRF

Audiobooks Accessibility Features Learning Ally books are read by content matter specialists and are designed to be clear and understandable, with students who have disabilities in mind. Speed controls allow students can speed up or slow down the rate at which the book is read. Students can easily click to navigate by pages, chapters or sections as well as add their own digital bookmarks. Can be read on Daisy players or PC, Mac, IOS, and Android devices using the free downloadable software or apps provided by Learning Ally. Content is "Reflowable", meaning the text is optimized to fit the page regardless of font size. For audio recordings in the “Voicetext” format, the text will be highlighted as it is read which reinforces word recognition, improves fluency, builds vocabulary and develops decoding skills. Works With: Free Learning Ally Audio App (IOS and Android) Free software from Learning Ally called Link or ReadHear by gh DAISY Devices (Cost depends on device; device can be ordered through Learning Ally)

Daisy Accessibility Features Text-to-speech capabilities allow the text to be read aloud Highlights text as it is read for improved comprehension Built in bookmarks and electronic navigation Images are tagged with alternate text descriptions that can be read aloud. Page numbers of the Daisy correspond to the page numbers of the printed text. Older Bookshare Daisy files did not contain graphics. Newer Bookshare Daisy files and Daisy files converted from NIMAS will have graphics with alternative text that can be read aloud. Content is “Reflowable”, meaning the text is optimized to fit the page regardless of font size. Most Daisy readers will have a series of additional beneficial features such as: ◦Dictionaries ◦Bibliographers ◦Contrast and color: Boost the contrast with various built-in color variations ◦Built-in graphic organizers ◦Pronunciation assistance ◦Highlighting of Digital Text for notes ◦Web access Note: To open Daisy book use the (.opf) file, in a specialized Daisy reader. Works With Text-to-speech programs such as: Read:OutLoud Kurzweil 1000 and 3000 Read and Write: Gold.

BRF Accessibility Features Braille is unique written language that may be the most accessible option of reading and writing for students who are blind or have a significant visual impairment. Digital files on a refreshable display prevent the need to carry and store large volumes of embossed braille text. Works With: Refreshable Braille display Braille embosser

PDF Accessible Accessibility Features: Provides an identical digital representation of a printed book. Compatible with text-to-speech programs PDFs can be opened by using a variety of programs on the computer as well as many mobile devices. Users can increase the page size without distorting the text; allowing PDF Accessible files to be used as digital large print. Most PDF readers will have a series of additional beneficial features such as: ◦Highlights text as it is read for improved comprehension ◦Contains note taking features like in text highlighting and commenting ◦Bookmarking and electronic navigation Works With: Adobe Reader and text-to-speech programs such as: Read: OutLoud, Kurzweil 1000 and 3000, Read and Write: Gold.

Digital does not always = accessible “The publisher made this electronic file” ◦Varies depending on publisher ◦Often not AT compatible “I made this in word, ppt, etc.” ◦Serves some of the population but not all “I scanned this myself” ◦Lacks OCR, built in features, not AT compatible

Flat text (not readable by a computer) Not reflowable No navigation beyond page by page No text tags No compatible with AT Files that are only just scans are only accessible to a very small portion of the population.

Computer readable Navigation by page, chapter, and user bookmarks. Compatible with AT Reflowable Images tagged with Alternative text

Searching the AIM-VA library

Results broken down by partner All available formats listed under each result Must login to order

Learning Ally Teachers can make free individual memberships for students

Bookshare Teacher must: ◦Load “Manage Members” page on Bookshare ◦Print or “Individual Membership form” for parent Parents must: ◦Complete the Individual Membership application online at: ◦

Read:OutLoud

Read:OutLoud

Need help? Ian Moore Ph: (703) AIM-VA Help Desk Ph: AIM-VA Blog Twitter? Follow