[nabs-l] accommodations for the GREs

Thu Oct 29 18:31:11 UTC 2009

I don't know about Dezman, but when I sat for the GRE in the spring of 2007
I was allowed to use my own laptop with MS Word.  The Procter sat next to me
to ensure I was not going online or using spell-check, and at the end of the
writing portion I cut the file to her thumb drive.  Otherwise I used a
Braille exam and had a reader/scribe.  I never had to complete a visual
evaluation.  My blindness certification from my rehab agency and
confirmation from my university's ODS office was enough.  The process was a
heck of a lot smoother than was the process to obtain accommodations for the
LSAT.

Joe Orozco

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the
crowd."--Max Lucado 

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org 
[mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Serena
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:05 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accommodations for the GREs

Desman,

How accessible was the word processing program that was used 
for the test with Jaws?  My (sighted) brother took the test 
yesterday and said he isn't too sure how accessible the word 
processing program would be.  Apparently, it's not MS Word.

Serena

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dezman Jackson" <jackson.dezman at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:34 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accommodations for the GREs

> Like Arielle, I was able to take the test totally in Braille 
and dictated 
> the answers to a scribe. When it came to the essays, I type 
them on the 
> computer.  If anything, I would suggest if you know Braille to get at 
> least the math section in that format.
>
> Sincerely,
> Dezman
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Arielle Silverman" <nabs.president at gmail.com>
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 7:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accommodations for the GREs
>
>
>> Hi Serena,
>>
>> I took the GRE's in the spring of 2007. I understand that some of the
>> accommodations for the computer test have changed, and it may now be
>> fully accessible. However, if you like to use Braille, the Braille
>> paper test is still an option. I got all the test questions 
in Braille
>> and dictated my answers to a scribe. For the essays, I wrote my essay
>> on a Perkins Brailler and then read it word-for-word to the scribe.
>> They also provide tactile diagrams for the math section and I think
>> they still do that even if you take the accessible version of the
>> computer test.
>>
>> One thing about the computer test is that it adjusts the difficulty
>> level of the questions based on how you are responding. Most of your
>> peers will be taking the computer test, so your score is more likely
>> to be competitive with theirs. However, if you like to have Braille
>> test questions in front of you, by all means go with the paper test.
>>
>> When I took the GRE I didn't need an eye exam. I only needed a
>> signature from a DSS staff member at my university certifying that I
>> was blind and did in fact need the accommodations I was 
requesting. Is
>> the eye exam a new requirement?
>>
>> Arielle
>>
>> On 10/29/09, Jedi <loneblindjedi at samobile.net> wrote:
>>> Hi.
>>>
>>> I've been in contact with Ms. Kelly at LCB. If you want to know more
>>> about GRE accommodations, I suggest you get ahold of her. 
She suggested
>>> to me that I have a reader with Braille diagrams and such. As for
>>> essays, she suggested that I type the essays. Presumably, the GRE
>>> testing site would provide the computer. I don't know how 
screen reader
>>> access would go, but you may be able to use 
http://www.satogo.com. You
>>> can contact the LCB at 1-800-234-4166. They are on Central time.
>>>
>>> You should also be aware that the accommodations application will
>>> require an EXTENSIVE eye exam even if you require non-visual
>>> accommodations. They'll want you to go through a functional impact
>>> assessment among other things. Why, I have no clue.
>>>
>>> Respectfully,
>>> Jedi
>>> Original message:
>>>> Hey guys,
>>>
>>>> Have any Braille users taken the GREs recently?  Did you 
get the Math
>>>> and/or verbal sections in Braille?  How did you write the 
essays?  Were
>>>> you able to use your Braillenote/other note taker or did 
ETS make you
>>>> dictate them  I looked on the GRE site about people with 
disabilities
>>>> and they claim you're only allowed to use a slate and stylus or
>>>> Braillewriter only to take notes.  I think this is 
absolutely insane!?
>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Serena
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>>
>>
>> -- 
>> Arielle Silverman
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> Phone:  602-502-2255
>> Email:
>> nabs.president at gmail.com
>> Website:
>> www.nabslink.org
>>
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>
>
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