NIMAS Regulations

• Final regulations were published on August 14, 2006.
• Four key changes to Section 300.172 (Access to Instructional Materials) from the initial publication of the proposed rules:

1. To make clear that States must adopt the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS), published as Appendix C to part 300 of these final regulations;
2. To establish a definition of "timely manner," for purposes of § 300.172(b)(2) and (b)(3) if the State is not coordinating with the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC), or § 300.172(b)(3) and (c)(2) if the State is coordinating with the NIMAC;
3. To add a new § 300.172(b)(4) to require SEAs to ensure that all public agencies take all reasonable steps to provide instructional materials in accessible formats to children with disabilities who need those instructional materials at the same time as other children receive instructional materials; and
4. To add a new § 300.172(e)(2) to clarify, that all definitions in § 300.172(e)(1) apply to each State and LEA, whether or not the State or LEA chooses to coordinate with the NIMAC.