[blindLaw] LSAT test accommodations

Sun Feb 18 23:28:30 UTC 2024

Hello Omar,

These are great questions! I am currently in the process of studying for the LSAT and applying for my accommodations as well. The information that is listed on the LSAC account portal under the “Request Accommodations” tab pretty well lays out available accommodations and instructions for requesting them. However, I still had questions about this as well. I found it helpful to call LSAC and speak with a representative to get more clarification.

As for which accommodations to request, it depends on what will be most helpful to you in terms of test-taking. 100% extended time is available. Additionally, the accommodation of “Stop/Start with Multiple breaks” allows the test proctor to stop the clock and give you a break during a section if needed. I am not sure how many additional breaks are allowed with this accommodation, but it is one that I am requesting along with other ones, too, as I often get strain and fatigue headaches from using my remaining vision.

For technology, use of JAWS, ZoomText, and DragonFly screenreader are available on the computers at testing centers for taking the LSAT in person. I also saw on the accommodations request form that working with a human reader and/or scribe is also available for people with low vision and blindness.

I recently spoke with someone from LSAC regarding the requesting process and documentation requirements. They recommended I upload documentation from my doctor, verifying my visual impairment; and also uploading any documentation of use of accommodations at my undergraduate institution and/or other standardized tests I have taken (such as the GRE).

I am providing my contact information below. Please feel freee to reach out to me directly if you would like to discuss this more!

Best,
Marina Rake
(503) 781-9948
marinamrake at gmail.com <mailto:marinamrake at gmail.com>

> On Feb 18, 2024, at 2:38 PM, Syed Rizvi via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Omar,
> 
> 
> 
> These are all great questions and I’ll answer each individually below.
> 
> 
> 
> You can definitely receive extra time on the LSAT. Many blind test takers
> receive double time, and I have even heard of some receiving triple time.
> Therefore, you can rest your eyes as you se fit within your allotted time.
> 
> 
> 
> As for extra or extended breaks, if your doctor can support this request, I
> believe you could possibly receive such an accommodation. I have not
> commonly heard of such an accommodation for blind test takers, but I
> understand that taking the exam with enlarged print would be quite
> straining on your eyes. I have heard of extra and or extended breaks for
> people with diabetes or conditions that cause fatigue. Again, as long as
> your doctor supports your request with documentation, then I think you have
> a shot.
> 
> 
> 
> I would personally recommend taking the exam in-person. I have heard many
> accounts of blind test takers having issues with the online exam.
> 
> 
> 
> As for exam day, you can use any hardware and or software you request the
> use of in your accommodations application. I personally used my own laptop,
> along with the JAWS screen reading software, the exam in an accessible
> format, the use of excel for the logic games, and the use of Microsoft Word
> for the writing portion. You can request zoomtext, or whatever magnifying
> software you may use, or a CCTV etc. In summary, as long as you request
> what you need, and it is approved, then you can use it on the exam.
> 
> 
> Feel free to reach out to me off thread as well if you would like to setup
> a time to talk over the phone regarding this matter.
> 
> 
> 
> Best of luck!
> 
> -Syed
> 
> 
> 
> On Sat, Feb 17, 2024 at 7:57 PM omar duncan via BlindLaw <
> blindlaw at nfbnet.org <mailto:blindlaw at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> 
>> Hi all I hope everyone’s weekend going alright and everyone doing well most
>> importantly.
>> 
>> I am emailing about different types of accommodations on LSAT for visually
>> impaired people.
>> 
>> 
>> Can visually impaired folks qualify for having breaks within each section
>> of the  exam.  Intersection breaks—essentially.
>> 
>> Like if our eyes feel tired and overworked, does the LSAC accommodate that
>> on LSAT  depending on whether we take  the LSAT in-person or at our homes
>> on the computer ?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Additionally, depending on whether you take the LSAT in-person or at home,
>> what kind of hardware and software accommodations can be utilized on exam
>> day?
>> 
>> Lastly, while I brought up taking the lsat test  at a center versus at home
>> on the computer, what is best while taking the test with  a visual
>> impairment?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks for your guys attention.
>> 
>> 
>> I appreciate any feedback and analysis possible from my peers on this
>> subject?
>> 
>> 
>> Best,
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>> 
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