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.
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.
State Leadership Team
State Leadership Team | |||
---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Title | Organization | |
Dr. Stephen Barr | Assistant Commissioner | DESE, Office of Special Education | |
Thea Scott | Director | DESE, Office of Special Education, Effective Practices | |
Kristin Funk | Assistant Director, Achievement | DESE, Office of Special Education | |
David Baker | Director | Missouri Assistive Technology (MO-AT) | |
Rhonda Uthlaut | MSIP Director | DESE, Office of Quality Schools | |
Angie Riner-Mooney | Coordinator | DESE, Business Services | |
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 |
|
Diane Gemp |
Instructional Technology Resource Educator |
Regional Professional Development Center |
|
Ashley Krause |
Assistant Superintendent | Farmington R-VII School District |
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)
Missouri School District Partners
Camdenton R-III School District
Vicki McNamara, Director, Special Education

Cary Chambers, Director, Special Education

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