1. NIMAC “Spring Training” for Accessible Media Producers
Nicole Gaines
March 2019

2. Part 1 NIMAC – A Refresher & Update Authorized Users & AMPs
The NIMAC Project
What is NIMAS?
How we get files
Types of materials we receive
Digital instructional materials
Watchlist
Resources

3. What is an Authorized User?
An Authorized User is someone who has been designated by their State Coordinator to have access to the NIMAC repository.
They can search and download files or assign files to registered Accessible Media Producers (AMPs).
They are individuals who are involved in some way in the production of accessible formats for students with print disabilities in their state.

4. What is an AMP account?
An Accessible Media Producer (AMP) account allows the user to download any file assigned to them for download by an Authorized User.
These accounts are freely available to any organization or individual who can work with NIMAS to produce accessible formats for K-12 students with print disabilities.
These users do not have to be designated by a state coordinator.

5. Becoming an AU
If you need direct access to download files from the system, it may be appropriate for you to be designated as an Authorized User for a given state.
To become an AU, you need to be either a part of the educational structure of the state, or a non-profit that qualifies as an “authorized entity” under Chafee
Feel free to contact the NIMAC if you need assistance with this.

6. The NIMAC Project
Created by IDEA 2004, the NIMAC is the national source file repository for K-12 textbooks and instructional materials.
We make NIMAS files available for use in producing accessible formats for K-12 print instructional materials.
We have about 53,000 file sets from 145 publishers.
All 50 states plus 7 outlying areas work with the NIMAC.

7. What is NIMAS?
NIMAS is the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard.
An XML-based source file format.
Designed for use in producing formats such as braille, DAISY, EPUB, large print.
MathML is optional markup for math.
It is not intended for distribution directly to students.
NIMAS is the only format we receive.

8. Working with NIMAS Braille: Text or HTML Custom software (proprietary)
BrailleBlaster – Works with NIMAS
Duxbury / Braille 2000 (requires conversion using NIMPRO)
Braille 2000 (requires conversion to RTF)
Text or HTML
TechAdapt Accessible Media Center
Dolphin EasyConverter
CAST tool
DAISY Pipeline
Custom software (proprietary)

9. How we get files
Under IDEA 2004, the only mechanism to require NIMAS from the publisher is the print book adoption contract or purchase agreement.
Since July of 2006, customers can require NIMAS when they purchase new textbooks.
NIMAC is happy to request a file from a publisher for you if we don’t already have it—more about that later!

10. Types of materials we receive
NIMAC receives “textbooks and related printed core materials” published primarily for use in K-12 education.
Materials we receive include: textbooks, workbooks, supplementary readers, and ancillary materials such as blackline masters.
Generally exempt: pre-2006 titles, trade books, college textbooks, reference books.
Digital materials are currently also exempt.

11. Watchlist Research Service
Although the NIMAC cannot require that a publisher submit files to the repository, we are happy to research titles that are not yet available and request files from publishers.
Because Authorized Users assign files to AMPs, they have a built-in system feature to add ISBNs to a Watchlist.
To avoid duplication of effort for the same files, this is not also provided in the AMP account.

12. Watchlist
However, if you work mostly on an independent basis and request files to be assigned from an AU when you need them, we can also research titles for you.
Just the ISBN of the title you need.
If we need additional information/are unable to locate the book online, we may get in touch to request further information, such as the title, copyright date and publisher.

13. Watchlist
If the title is within scope for NIMAS (i.e., not in an exempt category), we will request the file from the publisher.
If the file is already in production, we may be able to expedite it for you.
If the file is outside of scope, we will research other accessibility alternatives and provide that information to you by .

14. Side Note: System Emails
Whenever you are assigned a file by an Authorized User, the system will send an automated to let you know that the file is available for download in your queue.
These s will come from:
Some systems will filter out automated s unless you “white list” the sender.
If you have had any issues receiving s please add this address to your contacts.

16. Part 2 Live demo for AMPs Logging in User information & sub users
Downloading
Active versus Completed queue
Searching
Questions?

17. Any Questions?
For any questions about how to use NIMAC or the status of files in the NIMAC system please contact us for assistance: