Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)

Children using accessible tools

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 Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) Center
Diane Gemp	Instructional Technology Resource Educator	Regional Professional Development Center
Ashley Krause	Assistant Superintendent	Farmington R-VII School District