Short answer: If braille is written into a student's IEP or 504 plan, the school district must provide textbooks and materials in braille in a timely manner, which in practice means when other students get their print books. Districts get braille from the APH Louis database, from NIMAS files through the NIMAC, from state instructional resource centers, and from certified transcribers.
1. Get braille into the plan
Under IDEA, for a student who is blind or visually impaired, the IEP team must provide for instruction in braille and the use of braille, unless an evaluation shows braille is not appropriate (34 CFR §300.324(a)(2)(iii)). Ask for a learning media assessment and list the specific format in the IEP. Name the codes too, for example UEB Literary, UEB with Nemeth or UEB Math/Science for math, and tactile graphics. Students covered by Section 504 instead of IDEA are entitled to accessible materials as an aid needed for equal access.
2. Require timely access
IDEA requires states and districts to take steps to give students who need accessible formats their instructional materials in a timely manner (34 CFR §300.172 and §300.210). In practice, that means the braille should arrive when classmates get their print books. Write delivery timelines into the plan where you can.
3. Know where districts source braille
- NIMAS and the NIMAC: Publishers deposit source files for K–12 textbooks with the National Instructional Materials Access Center. Authorized users in each state use them to produce braille.
- APH Louis database: Lists existing accessible materials from producers across the US, so a district can buy a title that has already been transcribed.
- State instructional resource centers: Many states run centers that lend or produce braille for local districts.
- Certified transcribers: When a book isn't already available, the district contracts a transcriber who holds NLS (Library of Congress) certification. This is especially important for math (Nemeth) and diagrams (tactile graphics).
4. Plan ahead
A full textbook transcription can take weeks or months. Give the TVI the book list as early as possible, ideally the spring before. If a title isn't ready in time, ask for chapters to be delivered in order of the syllabus.
5. Who pays
The district is responsible for providing the materials at no cost to the family as part of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Federal quota funds administered through APH also help schools buy materials for eligible students.
Frequently asked questions
Does the school have to provide braille textbooks?
If braille is in the student's IEP or 504 plan, the district must provide braille materials at no cost to the family, in a timely manner.
What is NIMAS?
The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard is a file format that publishers use to deposit K–12 textbook source files with the NIMAC, so authorized producers can create braille and other accessible formats.
How long does braille textbook transcription take?
It depends on length and content. Literary books are faster than math or science books with Nemeth and tactile graphics, so request materials months in advance.
Can parents hire a transcriber directly?
Yes, although the district is responsible for providing the materials. Quality Braille Transcriptions works with schools and districts nationwide.
Sources
- eCFR – 34 CFR 300.324 (braille consideration in the IEP)
- eCFR – 34 CFR 300.172 (access to instructional materials)
- NIMAC – National Instructional Materials Access Center
- APH – Louis Database of Accessible Materials
- AEM Center at CAST
Last updated October 26, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.