Braille & AIM/AEM Scanning

Iowa’s AEAs provide comprehensive Braille services to support students who are blind or visually impaired and ensure their equitable access to educational materials. Services include transcription of instructional resources into Braille, production of tactile graphics and consultation with educators to support the integration of Braille literacy in the classroom. 

  • Districts should order directly from Iowa's AEAs; they should not have an AEA employee order on behalf of the district or a teacher.
  • Districts will be charged directly for all products created and any services ordered. An invoice will be sent after the order is completed.
  • If UPS/U.S. mail is required for shipping, districts will cover that expense and will be invoiced accordingly.

Braille Transcription

Braille transcription services are provided for students who are blind or visually impaired by a Library of Congress-certified Braillist.

Ordering Instructions

Instructions for ordering can be found on this page. (Braille is ordered from Heartland AEA.)

AIM/AEM Scanning

Books and educational materials can be converted to .pdf digital files. It presents printed or electronic text on the computer screen with added audible and visual accessibility. The books will then be shared via Google Drive or CD.

Ordering Instructions

  • Schools must own the copyrighted books and assign a book to each student who is using an alternative format.
  • The scanned files must be used exclusively for students who have an identified disability documented on an IEP or 504 accommodation plan.
  • The files must not be reproduced or distributed.
  • Book bindings will be removed for scanning and will be replaced with alternative binding.
  • Send the materials to be scanned on a Heartland AEA van. Include a purchase order if required by your district.

Fees

Item Cost
Cost per print page $4
Cost per Braille sheet for reprint items $2
AIM/AEM scanning $35 per hour
Other hourly Braille services $35 per hour
Rush fee Requests with a turnaround time of 5 business days or less are considered a rush and will include a 25% rush fee

Questions?

Do you have any questions or need additional support? Contact us at brailleservices@iowaaea.org.