[blindLaw] LSAT test accommodations

Mon Feb 19 20:38:04 UTC 2024

I took the Virginia bar over a 4 day period, it is normally pretty a 2 day test.  

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 19, 2024, at 1:24 PM, Syed Rizvi via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I have heard of the test administrators breaking up the exam over two days,
> as that worked better for them due to the extended time plus breaks. I am
> not sure if that can be requested as a specific accommodation. My general
> approach for the accommodations application is ask for everything you think
> you may need, back it up with documentation,and
> appeal any denials with additional documentation from your doctor. Building
> a strong repore with a doctor who supports and understands your situation
> can be hugely helpful.
> 
>> On Mon, Feb 19, 2024 at 11:56 AM omar duncan via BlindLaw <
>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Gotcha.
>> 
>> Thanks for the detailed explanation and breakdown to all the questions.
>> 
>> Have you by any chance heard of taking the test over multiple days as well?
>> 
>> Like one section in one day and another section on another day?
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> 
>> On Sun, Feb 18, 2024 at 3:29 PM Marina Rake via BlindLaw <
>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>>> 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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