Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)

Children using Accessible Educational Materials

Overview

Missouri was selected as one of seven AEM Cohort States (2020-2024) by the National Accessible Educational Materials Center for intensive technical assistance to improve access and usage of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners.

Purpose

The purpose of Missouri’s AEM Project is to create a robust provisioning system to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials (AEM) and accessible technologies by all learners to improve their overall success.

Vision

Missouri's students, teachers, and parents will be able to access, acquire, create, and implement AEM.

 

What Are AEM and Accessible Technologies?

Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are print and technology-based educational materials, including print and electronic textbooks and related core materials and technologies that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format (e.g. print, digital, graphic, audio, video) or features. People with disabilities may experience barriers to the use of printed materials, digital materials, and technologies. Examples where barriers might occur include textbooks, digital documents, websites, apps, learning delivery systems, and electronic devices.

AEM Quality Indicators

Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Quality Indicators

  • Indicator 1 - A Coordinated System for Provision of Accessible Materials and Technologies
    The agency has a coordinated system for the provision of appropriate, high-quality accessible materials and technologies for all learners with disabilities who require them.   
  • Indicator 2 - Acquisition and Provision in a Timely Manner                                                           
    The agency supports the acquisition and provision of appropriate accessible materials and technologies in a timely manner.
  • Indicator 3 - Written Guidelines           
    The agency develops and implements written guidelines related to effective and efficient acquisition, provision, and use of accessible materials and technologies.
  • Indicator 4 - Comprehensive Learning Opportunities and Technical Assistance                       
    The agency provides or arranges for comprehensive learning opportunities and technical assistance that address all aspects of the need, selection, acquisition and use of accessible materials.
  • Indicator 5 - A Systematic Data Collection Process                                                       
    The agency develops and implements a systematic data collection process to monitor and evaluate the equitable, timely provision of appropriate, high-quality accessible materials and technologies.
  • Indicator 6 - Use of Data to Guide Changes                                                                       
    The agency uses the data collected to guide changes that support continuous improvement in all aspects of the systemic provision and use of accessible materials and technologies.
  • Indicator 7 - Allocation of Resources 
    The agency allocates resources sufficient to ensure the delivery and sustainability of quality services to learners with disabilities who need accessible materials and technologies.
Intensive Technical Assistance Plan for Missouri

ITA Plan (09-21)

    AEM State Leadership Team
    Name Title Organization
    VACANT Assistant Commissioner DESE, Office of Special Education
    VACANT Director DESE, Office of Special Education, Effective Practices
    Tim Roling Coordinator DESE, Office of Special Education
    Kristin Funk Assistant Director, Achievement DESE, Office of Special Education 
    David Baker Director Missouri Assistive Technology (MO-AT)
    Angie Riner-Mooney Coordinator DESE, Business Services
    Cathy Fortney Therapeutic Services Coordinator Francis Howell School District
    Vicki McNamara Director, Special Education Camdenton R-III, AEM District Representative
    Dawn McNeeley Director, Special Education Smithton R-VI, AEM District 
    Cary Chambers Director, Special Education El Dorado Springs R-II, AEM District Representative
    Debby Loveall-Stewart Director Missouri’s Parent Training Information
    Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) Center
    Diane Gemp Instructional Technology Resource Educator Regional Professional Development Center
    Ashley Krause Assistant Superintendent Farmington R-VII School District

     

    Missouri School District Partners
    Camdenton R-III School District Logo


    Everyone Learning Every Day
    Camdenton R-III School District
    Vicki McNamara, Director, Special Education

     

     

     

    El Dorado Springs R-II School District Logo
    Committed to Learning: Preparing for Life
    El Dorado Springs R-II School District
    Cary Chambers, Director, Special Education
     
     

     

     

    Smithton R-VI School District Logo

    ENCOURAGE • ENGAGE • EDUCATE
    Smithton R-VI School District
    Dawn McNeeley, Director, Special Education

     

     

     

    Francis Howell School District Logo - Learning Together

    HOME • SCHOOL • COMMUNITY
    Francis Howell School District
    Cathy Fortney, Therapeutic Services Coordinator

     
    AEM Cohort States
    AEM Cohort States
    AEM Quick Links

    National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
    Missouri Assistive Technology (MOAT)
    Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education (MO-CASE)
    Missouri Parents Act Center (MPACT)
    Office of Quality Schools, DESE
    Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDC)
    State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)

    AEM Resources for Districts

    Bookshare: Bookshare is an ebook library that makes reading easier. People with reading barriers like dyslexia, blindness, and physical disabilities can read in ways that work for them with a huge collection of titles in audio, audio + highlighted text, braille, and other formats. Bookshare is FREE for all qualified U.S. students who qualify. Learn more by watching this quick video.

    Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library: Wolfner Library is a free public library serving schools and their students who cannot read standard print due to having a visual, physical, or reading disability such as dyslexia. Wolfner Library provides free access to audio, braille, and large print materials that circulate through the mail free of charge. Their collection includes audio books read by live professional narrators as well as a free audio and web braille download services. Learn more by calling 1-800-392-2614 or at wolfner@sos.mo.gov.

    Staff Contact

    Kristin Funk

    Assistant Director, Achievement
    Phone: 573-751-7661
    Kristin.Funk@dese.mo.gov