What is NIMAS?
Traditional text in instructional materials can be a barrier for some students with disabilities. This is due to visual, physical, or cognitive challenges. To tackle this, lawmakers updated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004. The update requires states to adopt the NIMAS Standard. NIMAS (National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard) standard helps publishers create electronic files in XML format. These files can be converted into accessible formats. This ensures prompt delivery of instructional materials for students with disabilities. This is applicable in elementary and secondary schools. State and local educational agencies can coordinate with the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). The NIMAC is managed by the American Printing House for the Blind. It stores these NIMAS files.
Creating NIMAS Format Files
At A11y-NIMAS Master, we specialize in assisting publishers with the creation of NIMAS format files. We make sure that their instructional materials are accessible to students with disabilities. NIMAS is a critical standard under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It helps students access the general education curriculum through other formats.
Our NIMAS conversion services include:
NIMAS Conversion
We convert print and digital instructional materials into NIMAS-compliant electronic files. These files are ready for use by state agencies and schools. They are also accessible through the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC).
Alt-Text Authoring
Image descriptions enhance the accessibility of NIMAS files. Alt text is optional. The NIMAC encourages publishers to give clear, grade-appropriate, and grammatically correct alt text. Alt text should be concise (1-2 sentences). A11y-NIMAS Master provides comprehensive service to author alt-text for the graphic content.
MathML – spoken math descriptions
Any math expressions must be converted into MathML. We developed an automated conversion pipeline specifically for the MathML. By streamlining this critical process, we have successfully collaborated with many publishers to convert mathematical instructional materials into accessible formats.
Quality – QA, validation
We ensure that all files are fully compliant with NIMAS specifications, and duly validated using the NIMAC Validation Wizard.
NIMAC – uploading inventory, corrections, certification
We upload to the NIMAC portal using the vendor access credentials. We undertake creating a quality metadata and uploading inventory to the NIMAC depository for further examination and certification. We guarantee any corrections required by NIMAC necessary for certification.
By partnering with A11y-NIMAS Master, publishers can confidently meet the legal and technical requirements of accessibility. This partnership expands the reach of their materials to all learners, regardless of ability. Let us handle the complexities of NIMAS compliance, so you can focus on producing great content!