[nabs-l] accommodations for the GREs

Thu Oct 29 20:26:33 UTC 2009

Serena,
At the time I took the test, they did not have the computer accessible 
version. I took it at the Louisiana Center for the Blind and just requested 
to use a computer with a wordprocessor for that portion.  I do believe I use 
Microsoft Word.  However, they may be more strict on those types of things 
now.

Sincerely,
Dezman
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Serena" <serenacucco at verizon.net>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:05 PM
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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>>>>
>>>> --
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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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