[nabs-l] Question about Testing Procedures

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Jedi and all,

The ADA does stipulate that you can refuse an accommodation, in this
case the particular readers offered by DSO. Unfortunately I don't know
all the intricacies of whether or not this section of the law protects
you in this case. But, there should be some way for you to get around
this. Definitely find out if this is a real policy or just a
preference by asking to see any relevant policy in writing. If it's
just a preference, you should be able to negotiate with the department
to be allowed to use a reader that's agreeable to both you and them.
One option, as I've discussed earlier, is to use a TA for the course
or in the department if such people are available. TA's are usually
graduate students who are paid to assist with teaching in their
department, including tasks such as alternative testing. (I myself am
a TA and I just the other day proctored an exam for two students whose
disability accommodations, probably for learning disabilities,
included extra time and a quiet setting). Anyway, a TA is going to be
a good reader because he/she has passed the competitive graduate
admissions process and should be familiar with the material, but at
the same time this TA is entrusted by the professor to be honest and
honorable. Using the prof as a reader is another option although not
quite as good because working with the prof can naturally create some
performance anxiety.

The good thing is to keep doing what you're doing and advocate with
the professor without getting DSO involved unless  absolutely
necessary. This ensures that you have as much control as possible over
the efficiency of the testing process and the quality of the reading
you receive.

Please let us know what happens, as we can all learn from your situation.

Arielle

On 1/29/09, Serena <serenacucco at verizon.net> wrote:
> You don't have an absolute right to use your own reader for tests.  All the
> ADA says is that the college needs to provide a reasonable accommodation, in
> this case, the ODS readers.  Also, the test is the college's administering
> something, not your own reading/studying time.  If you feel comfortable,
> have a meeting with the DSO people to see why they won't let you use your
> own reader--if they simply want you to use their services or if they think
> there's too much possibility of someone's cheating.
>
> Serena
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jedi" <loneblindjedi at samobile.net>
> To: <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 12:14 AM
> Subject: [nabs-l] Question about Testing Procedures
>
>
>> Fellow Federationists:
>>
>> I would like your advice. I have decided to opt out of the SSD office at
>> my university in most cases because it's not terribly efficient in helping
>>
>> blind students succeed in a timely and convenient fashion. generally
>> speaking, I have been able to arrange appropriate accommodations without
>> difficulty. Most teachers have been really helpful in providing tests and
>> other homework in electronic format, or letting me decide who to work with
>>
>> and under what conditions. Recently, i began a class in Special education.
>>
>> The professor uses a test program that apparently doesn't allow for
>> electronic tests usable by students in any fashion. So, I decided that
>> hiring a reader would be appropriate. At first, my teacher agreed
>> providing that I cover myself by giving her proof of my blindness such as
>> an eligibility letter for voc rehab services. I was fine with that.
>> Tonight however, she sent me an e-mail saying that she'd never had a
>> student opt out of using SSD offices, so she asked a higher-up in her
>> department if I could indeed use my own reader. Apparently, according to
>> her, I cannot. Apparently, I am required to use SSD provided readers for
>> this exam. I was under the impression that I am allowed to hire and
>> utilize my own readers and/or choose not to utilize SSD support in my
>> classes. I can understand why she would prefer me to use an SSD reader so
>> as to guard against possible cheating. I, however, am perfectly fine not
>> hiring the reader who ordinarily reads my textbook to me. i have a few
>> readers to choose from. What are my rights in this situation? What are my
>> options? What would you do if you were me? Thanks very much for your help.
>>
>> --
>> REspectfully,
>> Jedi
>>
>> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network.  Visit
>> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>>
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