Clearinghouse for Specialized Media & Technology

The California Department of Education (CDE) CSMT produces accessible versions of textbooks, workbooks, and literature books adopted by the State Board of Education. Products and services are provided pursuant to California law, Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) , the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 .

Production and dissemination of materials, including braille, large print, recordings, and American Sign Language (ASL) video books, are funded with local assistance, and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds.

Resources From CSMT

• Media Guide – Instructional Materials Ordering and Distribution System (IMODS)
  Online ordering systems for braille, digital talking books (DTB), large print, audio books, ASL video books, and APH products.

  • New Account Form (PDF)
    Must be processed before receiving login password.
  • Introduction to IMODS 2.0 (Video; 8:50)
    This video will show you how to sign on, search, and place an order on the system.
    
• Webinars hosted by CSMT including registration information for upcoming presentations.
• Annual Registration of Legally Blind Students
  Annual Registration of Legally Blind Students for American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota Program.
  • High School Incentive Program
• Blind and Low Vision Information
  Definitions, causes, assessment, and resources.
• Production of Large Print Materials, Guidelines
  Definitions and guidelines for producing large print instructional materials.
• Digital Talking Books (DTBs) Information
  Definitions and information on DTBs and DAISY Books.
  
• Audio Book Information
  Information on the Audio Book Program and access to state-adopted books to help support students with disabilities.
  
• List Service: Registration form and information on networking e-mail:
  Braille-N-Teach for students with visual disabilities.
  
• Clearinghouse for Specialized Media and Technology – CalEdFacts
• Contact CSMT
  Technical assistance for IMODS users and other specialized media questions.
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
  Everything you've always wanted to know about CSMT's products and services.
• CSMT Reference Guide (DOCX)
  Resource guide for CSMT, including services provided and contact information.

CDE Programs

• Special Education
  Information and resources to serve the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
• State Special Schools
  Services for the deaf, blind, and hard-of-hearing students in California.
• California Diagnostic Centers
  Testing to address educational needs of special education students.
• Price List of Adopted Instructional Materials
  To find price list of state-adopted instructional materials, go to instructional materials in each subject area.

References

• Related legislation, California Education Codes, federal and state laws

Resources Outside CDE

• American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
  Assistive educational products and materials.
  • APH Catalogs: Instructional Products, Parts, and APH Press
• California Transcribers and Educators for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CTEBVI)
  Members share their expertise and resources.
• Learning Ally
  Audio library for those with print disabilities.
• National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC)
  Electronic textbook files from publishers that are available for download to Authorized Users. 
• Bookshare
  Accessible books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities.
  • School closed? How to support students with learning differences online with Bookshare (Video; 53:02)
• California State Library - Braille & Talking Books
  Borrow braille, cassette and talking books, magazines, and playback equipment.
• Ability Tools
  Assistive Technology...Tools for Living. A Program of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.
• Perkins School for the Blind eLearning
  Perkins online Professional Development Platform and Educational Resource program.
• Braille Authority of North America
  Research, resources, and guidance to support literacy for tactile readers through the standardization of braille and/or tactile graphics.