[blindLaw] NCBE Revoked Accommodation--Assistance/information Requested Please!

Seif-Eldeen Saqallah seifs at umich.edu
Thu Aug 29 23:48:28 UTC 2019


Thank you; wise and good suggestions.

Sincerely,
Seif

On 8/29/19, Angie Matney via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Would an old-style Perkins brailler work for this purpose? It seems to me
> that if you can use one of those, it would be a great option. This is also
> significantly different from the bar exam, because you have to write essays
> for the bar; so it seems to me that you would have a good argument as to why
> you need an electronic braille device for the bar even if you don't use one
> for the MPRE.
>
> Also, if you can't use a Perkins Brailler, or if you think it would be more
> effective, maybe you can ask NCBE to provide an acceptable braille display
> (one without storage or wireless capabilities) with the laptop they are
> providing. Having said this, I don't know that I'd be keen on working with
> new technology while taking an exam.
>
> And as you've said, you can also put this off for a little while, if that
> makes the most sense.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Aug 29, 2019, at 2:22 PM, Seif-Eldeen Saqallah via BlindLaw
>> <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Thank you for your response.
>> (I remember reading your case; I commend you
>> Sighted testtakers have the option to take notes on there tests and to
>> write down their answers before transferring them to the
>> scantronsheet; I am also requesting that capability.
>> (One can crossreference MPRE questions and use them to answer other
>> questions; jot down memorized information; etc.)
>> They did not give me that computer option; they told me I can dictate
>> things to the scribe who then can repeat them back to me as
>> notes--this is a clunky process.
>> They first granted the braillenote and now are revoking it.
>> Should they deny this reconsideration, I might consider asking, again,
>> for notetaking on the computer or, as advised by another, to take the
>> MPRE after the bar, as not to jeopardize those future accommodations.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Seif
>>
>>> On 8/29/19, Cathryn Bonnette <cathryn.bonnette17 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Hello-
>>>
>>> I share your experience of reasonable accommodation being denied for
>>> security reasons- in my case it was Jaws screen reading software,
>>> subsequently approved after a court battle.
>>>
>>> Might the denial of your requested accommodation be due, at least
>>> partially,
>>> to a lack of understanding of why the extra device is needed? I'm not
>>> understanding how you are reading the exam, yet not able to write using
>>> the
>>> computer. (?) Also, as I recall, the test is multiple choice only. If so,
>>> it
>>> is unclear why an extra device is needed for taking notes.
>>> As usual, they are doubting that Internet capability is turned off etc.
>>> IF
>>> past tests show Internet access as a security risk, their concern is
>>> reasonable. If not, it could be argued.
>>>
>>> C Bonnette
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: BlindLaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>>> Seif-Eldeen
>>> Saqallah via BlindLaw
>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 11:50 AM
>>> To: Blind Law Mailing List <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Seif-Eldeen Saqallah <seifs at umich.edu>
>>> Subject: Re: [blindLaw] NCBE Revoked
>>> Accommodation--Assistance/information
>>> Requested Please!
>>>
>>> Thank you for your responses.
>>> Sorry--I am the student;
>>> it is, specifically,  a braillenote;
>>> I would not mind using it when connected to the computer to display what
>>> I
>>> type on the screen, but NCBE is not allowing it altogether.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>> Seif
>>>
>>>> On 8/28/19, Denise Avant via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> The other question I have is whether the student would be amenable to
>>>> using a Braille Display which can be connected to a computer and used
>>>> in conjunction with a screen reader?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Denise R. Avant, Esq.
>>>> President,
>>>> National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
>>>> 773-991-8050
>>>> Live the life you want.
>>>>
>>>> For more information about NFBI,
>>>> Go to www.nfbofillinois.org
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: BlindLaw <blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Laura Wolk
>>>> via BlindLaw
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 10:02 AM
>>>> To: Blind Law Mailing List <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Laura Wolk <laura.wolk at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [blindLaw] NCBE Revoked
>>>> Accommodation--Assistance/information
>>>> Requested Please!
>>>>
>>>> What is your relationship to the student? Or are you the student?
>>>>
>>>> The person is not requesting to use "an electronic Braille writer," he
>>>> or she is requesting the use of a Braille notetaker. Those are two
>>>> very different pieces of equipment, which probably contributed to the
>>>> confusion.
>>>>
>>>> If the student is open to using a manual old school Perkins Brailler,
>>>> which has been approved in the past, let me know and I'd happily ship
>>>> one to be used on the exam.
>>>>
>>>> Laura
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>>> On Aug 28, 2019, at 10:34 AM, Seif-Eldeen Saqallah via BlindLaw
>>>>> <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello all,
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope you are well.
>>>>>
>>>>> This is for a Law school student who is applying for accommodations
>>>>> on the MPRE. I fortunately found your contact information, and am
>>>>> wondering if you are able to advise or assist in contesting an NCBE
>>>>> accommodations decision, where NCBE first approved and now revoked
>>>>> the use of an electronic braillewriter (allegedly on security
>>>>> grounds) to take and record answers and notes. (See below message).
>>>>>
>>>>> I have been contacting others, but with little results yet.
>>>>> I want to respond as quickly as possible; they say time is short, yet
>>>>> they take several days to respond, reducing the time available for
>>>>> response or reconsideration.
>>>>>
>>>>> Understanding that this is not legal advice, Any assistance,
>>>>> thoughts, experiences, or advice is greatly appreciated.
>>>>> Please respond at your earliest convenience.
>>>>> Thank you, most sincerely.
>>>>>
>>>>> ...
>>>>> Previously, NCBE granted me the use of an electronic braillewriter to
>>>>> write and read my answers and notes. Upon further inquiry stemming
>>>>> from needing a flashdrive to transfer those notes into its possession
>>>>> (an accommodation I requested during my initial application), they
>>>>> asked me for more information about the braillewriter's capabilities.
>>>>> I was forthcoming with that information, stating that it has
>>>>> bluetooth and internet capabilities, but that they are nonfunctional
>>>>> and turned off, in any case, during the exam.
>>>>> After several days, they revoked my braillewriter accommodation,
>>>>> meaning that I have no way of taking or reading notes during my test,
>>>>> or even recording and reviewing my answers before dictating them to
>>>>> the scribe who fills out the scantron sheet.
>>>>>
>>>>> As part of my accommodations application, I had sent them my
>>>>> documentation stating that I have been using an electronic
>>>>> braillewriter for tests as far back as high school; that I use it for
>>>>> undergrad, graduate, and law classes and exams; that I used it on
>>>>> multiple standerdized tests, including the LSAT; and that it is part
>>>>> of my university-granted testing accommodations.
>>>>>
>>>>> They first did not approve my use of an electronic braillwriter; I
>>>>> appealed and then they (reluctantly?) approved it.
>>>>> Now, they wish to revoke it for alleged security reasons. NCBE is
>>>>> providing a computer through which to read the exam (which has more
>>>>> connectivity than the braillewriter), but no way for me to take notes
>>>>> or record my answers before telling them to the scribe who then marks
>>>>> them.
>>>>> (I pasted there email below for context.)
>>>>>
>>>>> I will write them another email, but how do you advise that I proceed?
>>>>>
>>>>> I also see this as establishing precedent for my accommodations
>>>>> granted on the bar, which I do not think I can take without the
>>>>> braillewriter, as that is how I read and write (the computer is for
>>>>> reading the exam).
>>>>>
>>>>> Please advise--I do not know how next to proceed.
>>>>> Any assistance you have is most and greatly appreciated.
>>>>>
>>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> NCBE email:
>>>>>
>>>>> ...
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you for sending the information about your specific model of
>>>>> Braillewriter -  HumaanWare Braillenote mpower; keysoft v9.5; windows
>>>>> CE6.0. As you mentioned in your message, this model of Braillewriter
>>>>> is designed to connect to the internet, has Bluetooth capability, as
>>>>> well as a SD card slot and ports.
>>>>>
>>>>> Unfortunately, for security reasons, we cannot permit this particular
>>>>> model of Braillewriter to be brought into the MPRE.  An electronic
>>>>> Braillewriter with the ability to connect to the internet, and store
>>>>> or transmit information to other devices cannot be permitted in the
>>>>> examination room, even if those features are thought to be turned off
>>>>> or possibly nonfunctional.
>>>>>
>>>>> As noted on the NCBE website at
>>>>> https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/E8DtCjROyXcO3Z5hWTd3U?domain=ncbex.
>>>>> o
>>>>> rg<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Es07CkROzYcwroWcVoMgV?domain=ncb
>>>>> e
>>>>> x.org>,
>>>>> NCBE is
>>>>> committed to providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to
>>>>> examinees with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for
>>>>> accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
>>>>> Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA). NCBE will make reasonable
>>>>> modifications to policies, practices, and procedures that might
>>>>> otherwise prevent individuals with disabilities from taking the MPRE
>>>>> in an accessible place or manner, provided such modifications do not
>>>>> result in a fundamental alteration to the examination, impose an
>>>>> undue burden, or jeopardize examination security.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you have an alternative idea of how you may be accommodated that
>>>>> will not pose a test security risk, we would be happy to consider it.
>>>>> Please note that a different model of Braillewriter without features
>>>>> that allow for internet connectivity or that does not have capability
>>>>> to transmit to other devices or store information could be considered.
>>>>> For instance, in the past NCBE has approved use of a Perkins
>>>>> Braillewriter and Braille paper, and collected the notes from the
>>>>> examinee at the end of the examination.
>>>>>
>>>>> To be considered for an alternative accommodation to your HumaanWare
>>>>> Braillenote mpower; keysoft v9.5; windows CE6.0, please complete an
>>>>> Applicant Reconsideration Request Form available on the NCBE website
>>>>> at
>>>>> https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/E8DtCjROyXcO3Z5hWTd3U?domain=ncbex.org<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Es07CkROzYcwroWcVoMgV?domain=ncbex.org>.
>>>>> On the form,
>>>>> please state the name of the device or item you would like us to
>>>>> consider, along with the model number if applicable.
>>>>>
>>>>> The deadline for NCBE to receive your request for an alternative
>>>>> accommodation (instead of your electronic Braillewriter) for the
>>>>> November 2019 MPRE is the late registration deadline which is 11:59
>>>>> p.m. Eastern Time on September 26, 2019. This is a ‘received by’
>>>>> deadline and not a postmark deadline; delivery to the post office or
>>>>> a courier service by the deadline does not constitute receipt by NCBE.
>>>>> Likewise, unsuccessful electronic transmission by the deadline does
>>>>> not constitute receipt by NCBE. There are no exceptions to missing
>>>>> the deadline and NCBE will not review or consider any forms or
>>>>> documentation received after the deadline. Applicants whose requests
>>>>> are received fewer than 15 business days before the deadline run the
>>>>> risk of not having time to avail themselves of the interactive
>>>>> process of requesting reconsideration of NCBE’s decision.
>>>>>
>>>>> Please note that your other approved accommodations remain in place
>>>>> for the November 2019 MPRE, and are listed below:
>>>>>
>>>>> •100% extended testing time (extra 120 minutes)
>>>>>
>>>>> • Supervised breaks - One 15 minute rest break
>>>>>
>>>>> • Private room
>>>>>
>>>>> • Auxiliary aid - Laptop equipped with JAWS (NCBE provided)
>>>>>
>>>>> • Scribe provided by NCBE - dictate answers to scribe to mark answer
>>>>> sheet
>>>>>
>>>>> • Other - NCBE will provide headphones to use with JAWS
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>> MPRE Test Accommodation Services
>>>>> National Conference of Bar Examiners
>>>>> 302 S. Bedford Street, Madison, WI 53703-3622
>>>>> 608-316-3070  |  Fax: 608-316-3119  |
>>>>> mpre.ada at ncbex.org<mailto:mpre.ada at ncbex.org>
>>>>> Website:
>>>>> https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/E8DtCjROyXcO3Z5hWTd3U?domain=ncbex.
>>>>> o
>>>>> rg<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Es07CkROzYcwroWcVoMgV?domain=ncb
>>>>> e
>>>>> x.org>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> BlindLaw mailing list
>>>>> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org
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>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>>>>> a
>>>>> il.com
>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Seif Saqallah
>>> University of Michigan
>>> Juris Doctor/
>>> Masters in Middle Eastern and North African Studies J.D/M.A Candidate |
>>> 2021
>>>
>>> University of Michigan
>>> International studies, Arabic Studies, and Judaic Studies; Law, Justice,
>>> and
>>> Social Change B.A | 2017
>>>
>>> 248-325-7091
>>> seifs at umich.edu
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> BlindLaw mailing list
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>>> BlindLaw:
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>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Seif Saqallah
>> University of Michigan
>> Juris Doctor/
>> Masters in Middle Eastern and North African Studies
>> J.D/M.A Candidate | 2021
>>
>> University of Michigan
>> International studies, Arabic Studies, and Judaic Studies;
>> Law, Justice, and Social Change
>> B.A | 2017
>>
>> 248-325-7091
>> seifs at umich.edu
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> BlindLaw mailing list
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>
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-- 
Seif Saqallah
University of Michigan
Juris Doctor/
Masters in Middle Eastern and North African Studies
J.D/M.A Candidate | 2021

University of Michigan
International studies, Arabic Studies, and Judaic Studies;
Law, Justice, and Social Change
B.A | 2017

248-325-7091
seifs at umich.edu




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