[NFBCS] Fact check for resolution 2020-20 on IAAP policies and practices

[David Andrews]

While it is done -- I agree with Aaron.

Someone in my state -- who has participated in IAAP activities on 
multiple levels contacted me and said that IAAP says that there are 
inaccurate things in the resolution.

It could be, but I am not so sure.  I looked at the Kryterion web 
site and found nothing about accessibility. And they use biometrics 
for some things, which could be a problem for some blind 
people.  Searches for accessibility, and blind, come up blank.

As Aaron points out, the at-home experience for blind people isn't equal.

Someone said that IAAP has no control over Kryterion. This is not 
true, they contract with them.

I do believe that IAAP has good intent. I took my CPACC test with no 
accessibility problems. We had a locally proctored test though.

IAAP can contract with Kryterion, who might say the right things to 
IAAP, and they then sub-contract with hundreds of sites across the 
country, who might not do things properly, so you end up with a mess.

Dave

At 02:37 PM 7/18/2020, Aaron Cannon via NFBCS wrote:
>My understanding of this is that this resolution is calling them out
>because they offer inaccessible testing options. In addition, the
>accessible testing options that they do offer are not equivalent
>alternatives.
>
>For at home testing, you must hire, or at the very least find a
>volunteer, proctor for the exam. In addition, the proctor must join
>you in person, so it is not a fully online option, like sighted folks
>are able to enjoy. In this time of Covid, requiring you to find
>someone to join you in person, where everyone else gets to take it
>online, without having to expose themselves, is certainly not
>equivalent in my opinion.
>
>Also, even if this extra requirement wasn't imposed, what is an
>organization like IAAP doing in bed with an organization like
>Kryterion with such crappy accessibility practices?
>
>I recommend folks vote in favor of this resolution.
>
>See the following site for the requirements of IAAP testing:
>https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/certificationandcovid19
>
>Aaron
>
>On 7/18/20, Doug Lee via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> > My apologies if this is not an appropriate forum for this, but I know no
> > other at this late moment, and we have been discussing another tech-related
> > resolution here already.
> >
> > Regarding Resolution 2020-20 on " "the Discriminatory Testing Practices and
> > Policies of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals":
> >
> > I have, mid this afternoon, received comments from someone in the
> > accessibility field whom I believe knows more about this issue than do I.
> > The comments include the below text, and my interest in posting 
> this here is
> > to make sure that whatever
> > we pass is both accurate foremost, and useful in our aims.
> >
> > The received comment excerpts:
> >
> > IAAP offers multiple ways to take the exams that are fully accessible. If
> > you read the resolution it sounds like the NFB
> > is frustrated with Kryterion but there is no need or requirement to use
> > Kryterion - anyone can take the exam online from home and the at 
> home option
> > has
> > been available for at least a year with more flexibility since 
> the pandemic.
> > IAAP has no power to change Kryterion
> > although they have asked. A better resolution would be against 
> Kryterion for
> > their practices.
> >


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