Michigan

Michigan is developing technical assistance documents and enhancing its current infrastructure to ensure efficient delivery of accessible instructional materials to eligible students. In addition, a professional development series on Accessible Instructional Materials is being developed.

AIM State Project Director

Jeff Diedrich
Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports
1037 South U.S. 27
St. Johns, MI 48879
Jeff.Diedrich@gmail.com
Voice: 800-274-7426
Fax: 989-224-0330

Textbook Acquisition

Open Territory – each district decides what textbook to use

Policy Positions & Documents

Coordinate with the NIMAC?

Michigan coordinates with the NIMAC.

Definition of Timely Manner

In general, "timely manner" means students with print disabilities receive instructional materials in specialized formats at the same time that non-disabled peers receive their instructional materials with appropriate consideration given to extenuating circumstances (e.g. purchasing arrangements, students transferring to new school, formatting & production of tactile graphics, intensive editing, etc.) that could delay that access. Agencies have clearly defined policies and procedures to address such delays (e.g. providing an audio book until such time the required format is complete; providing materials in installments or chapters until the entire book is complete). It is essential that consideration as to anticipated needs of students requiring accessible instructional materials be such that they prevent unnecessary delays (e.g. students may change courses as often as every six weeks thus require advanced planning and ongoing communication between service providers).

Accessible Instructional Materials

Draft PDF version of a chart regarding Eligibility, Acquisition and Sample Language for Purchase Orders

PDF version of the PowerPoint used for a session describing which students qualify for AIM at the 2009 ATIA Conference in Orlando, FL.

Parent Information & Advocacy Resources

The Arc Michigan
www.arcmi.org

Autism Society of Michigan
http://autism-mi.org

Brain Injury Association of Michigan
www.biami.org

CAUSE-Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education
www.causeonline.org

Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan
www.ldaofmichigan.org

Michigan Alliance for Families
www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org

To guide interested parents to the right place:
Michigan Department of Education
www.michigan.gov/mde