[blindlaw] ExamSoft

Fri Jun 29 17:15:32 UTC 2012

Elizabeth,
I agree with Rod and other posters.  I recommend taking the necessary
required steps in your state to take the bar exam through word, using your
own laptop, in a separate room, and possibly with extended or double time if
you need it.  I did so in 2009 in New Mexico.  There was no problem, as long
as I completed the required Request for Accommodations forms and provided
opthalmologist reports.  The same steps were necessary in Texas.  I had no
problem being provided the accommodations. Both Texas and NM had a staff
person assigned to just reviewing, granting, and overseeing accommodations
(among her other duties).  Thus, I think it's become a standard protocol for
some states.  

The bar had a proctor sit in a separate room with me.  This was nice,
because there were no noise distractions.  I also had to put my belongings
in a clear Ziploc bag, but I understand the bar has to take precautions due
to some people that attempt to cheat. I was not strip searched, but I was
watched carefully and I think there are cameras in each room at our state
bar.

Let us know what happens in your state with regard to their granting your
accommodations.  Don't forget its also dependent on what accommodations you
request, based on your own needs.  Also, it sounds like your taking steps in
the right direction by doing practice tests, those always helped me, and
made the actual test easier.  I know you'll do great!

Warm Regards,
Marina A. Cordova
Attorney at Law
551 W. Cordova Road, # 234
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Office (505) 467-8395
Fax (505) 467-8746
PLEASE NOTE MY CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS TO: law at cordovaesq.com

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faultless in [their] way, the ones walking in the law of Jehovah.   Uncover
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-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Alcidonis Law Office
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 1:54 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft

Elizabeth

It has only been thre short years since I took and passed two bar exams. I
think it is now much easier for you to be accommodated due to the recent
court successes with the NCB. The examsoft software is not and has never
been accessible. You should request for your test materials to be provided
to you in a Word document either on your own computer, or one provided by
the bar examiners.

Rod Alcidonis, Esquire.
Alcidonis Law Office, LLC
2824 Cottman Avenue
Suite 15
Philadelphia, PA 19149
Tel: (215) 305-8085
Fax: (215) 525-0999
Work: Attorney at alcidonislaw.com
Listservs: lawoffice at alcidonislaw.com

Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Spiry
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 1:30 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft

No, your state bar should allow you to take the bar without exam soft. I'll
be taking it in July with the MEE and MPT given in Word format and written
in word. NCBE is providing the MBE portion in Word format as well so that I
can :"mark" my questions as someone with vision might mark up the Qs with a
pencil for analysis.

Bill Spiry, J.D.
bspiry at comcast.net

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jon Schorsch
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:32 PM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] ExamSoft

Dear Elizabeth,

I have just finished my first year of law school at Seattle University.
While everyone had to use exam soft for their finals, I was exempt from
having to use it.  I did not ask for the exemption, the school was worried
about compatibility issues with JAWS, and simply did not have me try to use
it.  So, I assume it is not compatible, but I really have no idea if it is
compatible with JAWS or not.

Jon Schorsch

From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 12:31 PM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindlaw] ExamSoft

Hi all,

I am retaking the Washington State Bar Exam after a long break from the
practice of Law.  When I passed it the first time in 1980, the idea of using
text-to-speech software on a computer was a dream of the future.  For me,
anyway.

My bar association requires its laptop-using examinees to register with
ExamSoft, Inc., and use their software product, SoftTest, to isolate their
essay answers from anything else on their machines that might allow them to
cheat.  My understanding is that exam questions must be accessed, and
responses composed and submitted, from within SoftTest.

Some Internet research I've already done on this subject shows me that many
or most law schools are using SoftTest for their exams now.  My quick
overview of ExamSoft's Web site hasn't come up with any information from
them on accessibility or ADA awareness.

Has anyone written a law school or bar exam using SoftTest with JAWS or with
Apple's VoiceOver?

I'm asking about both speech applications because I have to upgrade from an
older JAWS version to JAWS 13 Pro to access my BARBRI bar review
applications and to be job-ready after the exam, and because I can get an
iBook, right now,  with VoiceOver already running, for the price of JAWS
alone.  Apparently, SoftTest runs on Windows 7 and OS 10.

It's likely that the WSBA might exempt me from using SoftTest on ADA
grounds, but I'd rather not ask for an unnecessary accommodation.

PS: I raised this question about a month or so ago from my iPhone, but
wasn't registered here from that address.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Elizabeth Rene

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