Sec. 13a.06.05.03. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Accessible educational materials (AEM)” means print- and technology-based educational materials, including printed and electronic textbooks and related core materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of individual variability regardless of format (print, digital, audio, video, etc.).

(2) “Accessible technology” means any device, hardware, software, or handheld equipment that provides access to activities for everyone, including those with disabilities, and is designed to provide all individuals the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services with equivalent ease of use.

(3) “Digital device” means an electronic device that uses discrete, numerable data and processes for all its operations.

(4) “Digital learning” means any instructional practice that uses technology to support the student and/or educator learning experience.

(5) “Digital learning resources” means digital materials and technologies that support teaching and learning.

(6) “eTextbook” or “e-book” means a book made available in a digital format for display on a digital device.

(7) “National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC)” means a service that provides a national repository of source files for accessible media production of textbooks and related print core materials for use by eligible PreK—12 students.

(8) Open Educational Resources (OERs).

(a) “Open educational resources (OERs)” means free and openly licensed digital educational materials that can be used for teaching, learning, research, and other purposes and are used and modified based on open licensing.

(b) “Open educational resources (OERs)” includes full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge.

(9) Public Agency.

(a) “Public agency” means an institution that provides educational services to students with disabilities from 3 to 21 years old and in accordance with the student’s IEP.

(b) “Public agency” includes the Maryland State Department of Education, local school systems, the SEED School, the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Services, the Maryland School for the Blind, the Maryland School for the Deaf, and the Maryland Department of Labor.

(10) “Textbook” means a book available in print or digital format or a compilation of digital instructional resources that support content standards and curriculum.

(11) “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA (June 5, 2018)” means a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.