ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PUBLISHERS, INC. (AAP)

Association of American Publishers, Inc.
www.publishers.org

50 F Street, N.W., 4th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20001
Telephone: (202)347-3375
Fax: (202) 347-3690

Patricia S. Schroeder
President and Chief Executive Officer

June 2002

Dear Reader:

As you know, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) is concerned with equity in educational opportunity, giving all American students access to high quality instructional materials, and promoting reading and literacy. Reading and literacy are fundamental to learning.

We at AAP feel this tool kit will provide a needed resource for school districts and publishers. The American Foundation for the Blind's Textbooks and Instructional Materials Solutions Forum created this portfolio of materials in order to assist you and other state leaders in understanding the issues surrounding the provision of accessible instructional media for students who are blind or have low vision. We know the information highlighting the "right book at the right time" will provide more information specific to making materials accessible.

The publishing industry together with the blindness field are making a difference for students with visual impairments. We know this packet of information will provide you with new resources to assist with developing a plan to provide textbooks and instructional materials in a timely manner and in the medium needed by students with visual impairments.

Sincerely,

Pat Schroeder

President & CEO