Clearinghouse for Specialized Media & Translations

The California Department of Education (CDE) Clearinghouse for Specialized Media and Translations (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, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) , 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 video books, are funded with local assistance, 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.
• Annual Registration of Legally Blind Students (Posted 21-Dec-2015)
  Annual Registration of Legally Blind Students for American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota Program Student Registration for 2015–2016.
• 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.
• List Services: Registration forms and information on networking e-mail:
  Braille-N-Teach (PDF) for students with visual disabilities.
  Access to the Curriculum (PDF) for students with all disabilities.
• Clearinghouse for Specialized Media and Translations – 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 (PDF)
  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.
• Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division (CFIRD)
  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.
• 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.
• California State Library - Braille & Talking Books
  Borrow braille, cassette and talking books, magazines, and playback equipment.
• Assistive Technology
  Assistive Technology...Tools for Living.