About the Federated States of Micronesia The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an island nation in the Western Central Pacific Ocean about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. The FSM is separated into four States: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap, which consist of 607 islands spanning 1,700 miles from Kosrae in the East to Yap in the West. Along with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, the FSM is a sovereign, self-governing entity in free association with the United States through a Compact of Free Association. Over the years, each of the four States developed its own distinct traditions, customs, languages, ranging from the more ìwesternizedî Pohnpei, to the more culturally traditional Yap. Traces of European and Asian influences can also be observed. English is the official language of the FSM, with eight major indigenous languages spoken: Chuukese, Kapingamarangi, Kosraean, Nukuoro, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, and Woleaian. (from www.visit-fsm.org) FSM & PACIFIC CIMAP
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a key member of the Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP). Jurisdiction Implementation Teams (JIT) from each state have been formed, and each State has participated in On-Site Assessments by Guam CEDDERS, a Leadership Meeting in February 2008 and hands-on training at the Summer 2008 Institute, each facilitated by the Pacific CIMAP Project Team. 
The FSM faces very similar challenges across each of the four island States. Geographic remoteness, transportation, adequate tools, infrastructure, equipment, and personnel issues in varying degrees affect each State’s Special Education Department's ability to provide services. For example, in Chuuk State, related service assistants (RSAs) travel by boat through rough waters to provide services to students living on distant atolls. While on these outer islands, they often must travel on foot to reach students because of the road conditions. 
Summer 2008 Institute Pacific CIMAP hosted its Summer 2008 Institute from July 29-August 9, 2008 on Guam. Titled ìCrafting & Transforming Accessible Materials,î the institute provided training on various AT for students with print disabilities. JIT members from each FSM State received technical assistance and training in the operation of the following equipment and software: 
 • Braille Producers (Kurzweil, Duxbury, Juliet Pro) • Windows Eyes Screen Reader • Kurzweil 3000 & Accessories • HumanwareÆ BrailleNote • HumanwareÆ VoiceNote • Mountbatten Braille Writer System • Jot-a-Dot Braille Writer • Victor Reader Stream (Daisy/MP3/Memo) • ViewPlus Tactile Graphics - Spot-A-Dot–IVEO • ClassMate ReaderÆ • Don Johnston SoloÆ 
At the end of the Institute, a set of the above equipment was packed and shipped to each FSM State. FSM’s JITs are now developing and implementing specific actions for improving and expanding its existing programs, including: • Integrating existing practices/programs with NIMAS/NIMAC process, including the development and implementation of a data tracking system for equipment inventory and usage of educational materials in accessible formats from the States’ Resource Centers. • Expanding/improving programs to meet islandwide needs of all students with print disabilities, and • Facilitating and supporting the delivery of on-island professional development for effective practice. About Pacific CIMAP The Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP) is a consortium established to address the common and unique needs of Pacific jurisdictions in implementing or enhancing a system for providing timely educational materials in appropriate accessible formats for students with disabilities under IDEA PART B. The system will meet National Instructional Materials Accessibility requirements, including educational media activities for those children with disabilities who do not meet the NIMAC eligibility requirements, but who need accessible versions of educational materials as determined pursuant to Section 67114(d) of IDEA. Contact Information Arthur Albert, Executive Director, Special Education Program FSM National Department of Education Phone: 691-320-8982/1055 Fax: 691-320-5404 Email: Arthur.Albert@fsmed.fm June De Leon, Project Director, Pacific CIMAP University of Guam CEDDERS Phone: 671-735-2494 Fax: 671-734-5709 Email: jdeleon@ite.net www.guamcedders.org Supported by the IDEA Technology and Media Services Grant No. H3278S070011 from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education. Cover Photo taken in Pohnpei, FSM by Pacific CIMAP partner Jim Fruchterman, CEO and Founder of Benetech Initiative and Bookshare.org, during his visit to the islands with Donna McNear, Pacific CIMAP lead consultant.