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    State Coordinators

    All states and outlying areas that work with the NIMAC name a State Coordinator. This person is the primary contact for NIMAC in the state. The State Coordinator signs the NIMAC Coordination Agreement, and manages the state’s Authorized Users.

    State Coordinators FAQ (para español)

    What does a NIMAC State Coordinator do?

    The State Coordinator (SC) has two responsibilities:

    • To opt into the NIMAC on behalf of the state by signing and returning the NIMAC Coordination Agreement
    • To designate and manage Authorized Users for your state

    By default, State Coordinators can designate up to 5 (five) AUs. If additional accounts are needed, the SC is welcome to contact the NIMAC at NIMAC[at]aph.org to request additional accounts.


    What does it mean to “opt into” the NIMAC?

    IDEA 2004 required all States to adopt NIMAS as the source file format for producing accessible formats for K-12 textbooks and core print instructional materials. However, states were given the option of either working with the NIMAC, or working directly with publishers to obtain NIMAS files. (All states and eligible outlying areas have opted in and coordinated with the NIMAC.)

    States that opt into the NIMAC agree to do two things:

    • They agree to include NIMAS language in their print book adoption contracts and purchase agreements requiring publishers to submit NIMAS files to the NIMAC. The National Center for AEM provides Sample Contract Language on their site.
    • They agree to abide by the limitations set out in IDEA 2004 regarding NIMAS use and student eligibility. These limitations are detailed in the NIMAC Coordination Agreement which is signed by all coordinating states, and in the NIMAC Limitation of Use Agreement which is signed by all Authorized Users and registered Accessible Media Producers.

    How do I create Authorized User accounts?

    1. Log into the NIMAC
    2. Your default landing page will be Manage Authorized Users
    3. Click the button to Add a New Authorized User
    4. Enter the new user’s information and click Create. The user will now appear under your “New” users.
    5. The system automatically emails the new user a link to complete the registration process. This same email will include the Limitation of Use Agreement as an attachment.
    6. When the user completes the registration, he or she now shows up under your “Pending” users.
    7. The user then either emails a scan or mails a hard copy of the completed Limitation of Use Agreement to the NIMAC. Once the NIMAC has received this document, we can activate the account. The user will then show in your “Active” users.

    One of my AUs has left his or her position. How do I transfer the account to someone else?

    Because of the system DRM, NIMAC AU accounts are not transferable. They are associated with the individual and not the organization or agency as a whole. If your AU leaves the position, please delete that account and create a new account for the person now taking on the role.

    State Coordinator Updates

    • DAISY Pipeline NIMAS to EPUB Conversion

      The DAISY Pipeline is a free tool that can be used to convert NIMAS to EPUB. NIMAS is a subset of DAISY 3 (DTBook), and the Pipeline script is called “DTBook to EPUB 3.” The Pipeline uses this script to convert a NIMAS file to a student-ready EPUB file. Check out this short how-to video…

      Continue Reading: DAISY Pipeline NIMAS to EPUB Conversion
    • NIMAS Contract Language Handout

      The NIMAC supports students with disabilities by helping ensure that an accessible format can be produced when a need is identified. We receive files in “NIMAS” format from publishers, and these files are used to produce formats like braille, EPUB, DAISY and large print. All states and districts that coordinate with the NIMAC are obligated…

      Continue Reading: NIMAS Contract Language Handout
    • Spring 2021 NIMAC Updates

      This webinar covers many important NIMAC updates including: the new NLS guidelines and updated NIMAC agreements, the new NIMAS Validation tool development, the NIMAC’s technical assistance “gap analysis work,” and more. You can also download the Powerpoint (available in English or Spanish) to keep for future reference!

      Continue Reading: Spring 2021 NIMAC Updates
    • New NLS Guidelines–February 2021

      In February 2021, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled issued new eligibility guidelines. The NIMAC has updated its NIMAC Coordination Agreement and Limitation of Use Agreement to align with the changes. For more information you can download the Powerpoint (available in English or Spanish).

      Continue Reading: New NLS Guidelines–February 2021
    • Dual or “Hybrid” SC and AU Account Option

      If you are a State Coordinator but would also like to access the NIMAC as an Authorized User, a single sign in option is now available. See the video below for details or contact the NIMAC for more information!

      Continue Reading: Dual or “Hybrid” SC and AU Account Option