[nabs-l] Question about Testing Procedures

[Serena]

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
>
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