For many students with disabilities, standard print in textbooks can be a barrier to access and learning. Some students who have difficulty with reading or understanding text may be candidates for the provision of accessible instructional materials (AIM). These students may need to have their core and supplemental instructional materials provided to them in an alternate format (e.g., Braille, digital, audio) to support their access to their curriculum.
IDEA 2004 requires that core instructional materials be provided in specialized formats when it has been determined to be necessary for a student with a disability. It is the responsibility of a student’s IEP team to identify the type of specialized format(s) that a student will need and document this on the IEP. The final regulations of IDEA 2004 and Oregon Administrative Rules require that local education agencies provide needed accessible core instructional materials to students with disabilities in a timely manner. A timely manner means the materials are available at the same time materials are available for students who do not need materials in alternate formats. Stat. Auth.: ORS 326.051