[humanser] [humane] NCE Question

Fri Aug 2 18:34:22 UTC 2013

Totally agree, Denise; since we didn't see trickle-down, I don't think there
is a choice either, and just because we can--and have managed--doesn't mean
we should; sighted examinees would never put up with what we have had to in
order to obtain licensure in our chosen professions.
Darla

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Denise
Shaible
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2013 12:09 PM
To: Human Services Mailing List
Subject: Re: [humanser] [humane] NCE Question

Darla,

Yes, I was trying to say that the fact that I typed my essay at a separate
time singled me out.  The other students wrote their essays as they took the
exam so they were required to handwrite their essays.  I don't know about
anyone else but, I almost brought suit against my University because I
wasn't allowed to use alternative formats during an in-class essay exam and
on the final exam.  this hurt my grade and the instructor wouldn't budge on
her decision.  I didn't bring suit because I lost some very important
e-mails when I had a virus in my computer and they would have provided
evidence against the instructor.  That may have been a little off topic but,
I believe we shouldn't have to bring lawsuits just to take exams.  Of
course, sometimes we have to do it.

I'm in favor of a resolution but, I think we need to speak with the attorney
and go forward with our committees before doing that.  I mean, this is an
issue that the NFB as a whole should be fighting as they did with the Bar
Exam.  I always thought the fight for taking those exams would trickle down
to other persons seeking licensure or graduate or Doctoral degrees.  I
personally like the idea of working with the Lawyer's Division so we don't
reinvent the wheel.

Regards,

Denise

-----Original Message-----
From: Darla Rogers
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2013 9:36 AM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] [humane] NCE Question

Dear Denise,
In my opinion, I believe all essays should be typed; I should think, at this
level, while punctuation and proper grammar are important, that isn't  the
intent or purpose of the essay, and since you were allowed to type--good for
you in that you could write it yourself--I think this practice still tends
to single you out because nobody else typed.
I am totally agreement; it is more than time to find as many entities, as
possible, especially for national exams, and draft a resolution or bring
forth the litigators to stop these unfair, discriminatory practices.
Extra time still doesn't cut if if you can't understand the reader, and I
have experienced sighted people "marking in the wrong bubble," so I am not
overly confident in some people's ability do  that; I want to be judged on
my abilities both with the subject matter and the ability to complete the
exam independently; who needs the extra hassle of a reader who may or may
not be competent.
Darla

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Denise
Shaible
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2013 11:24 AM
To: Human Services Mailing List
Subject: Re: [humanser] [humane] NCE Question

I'd like to ask a question.  Has there ever been any research to determine
whether a blind person does better on exams when using electronic means or a
reader?  That might be a good idea if nobody has done it.  I mean, it comes
down to getting the exam done and in the time parameters set up by the
examiners.  sometimes it's possible to get extra time and that's great but,
is that an option on some of the exams being taken by blind persons?  ON my
Comprehensive Exam, I had double time.  What bothered me about my exam was
that there was an essay part and the sighted persons used their Social
Security numbers to protect their identities.  In my case, I was allowed to
type my essay and turn it in separately.  While it was good that I could use
my computer, my essay was typed while the other students' essays were
written so of course, the examiners knew it was my essay.  I don't know if
anyone has had this problem but, if sighted persons have ways to protect
themselves, we should have that, too.

One thing, I didn't make any waves about the exam.  I think sometimes we can
only see our degrees or livelihoods going down the drain and will take
things the way they are until a later date.  I really think the whole issue
of taking exams independently is one that we can't wait on anymore.  We have
several high school students and Bachelor level students in our Division and
it would b good if they didn't have to go through what some of us had to go
through or are going through now.

One more thing before I end this.  The idea of a study guide.  I used a
study guide to prepare for my Comprehensive Exam.  they're great but, I
wonder how many of us can afford them and how many of them are accessible.
I don't know, maybe there are guides on line now.  Then again, the issue
really concerns whether or not it should be mandatory to use a reader or
scribe when the exam being taken is in electronic format for everyone else.

Regards,

Denise

-----Original Message-----
From: Darla Rogers
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 5:09 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Absolutely, Mary; not many of us have $600.00 extra sitting around to
re-take an exam that should not be an issue in the first place, as
alternatives are available, but these "bodies" of which you speak live on
paranoia.
Darla

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of MARY
CHAPPELL
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 4:53 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Ashley,
The thoughts and recommended strategies are welcomed. The cost of this exam
is $605.00  so retaking the exam is more of a hardship. If fate has it such
that a retake is necessary, I will concede; however, I would like to avoid
that option by passing the first time. .
MTC

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley
Bramlett
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 4:26 PM
To: Human Services Mailing List
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Also, maybe you could work with the reader prior to your exam to read a
study guide or something test related so they could get familiar with the
terms. If you do poorly, isn't it possible to take it again? People usually
do better on tests the second time as they know the types of questions on
it. I know you shouldn't have to do that and pay to take it again when you
had a poor accomodation, but I'm just saying if you can retake it, it may be
worth it to save your job and get the  passing score.

I hate the feeling of using a poor reader who I've never worked with and may
not pronounce  terms right. This occurred at a large community college when
I got my writing certificate. I cannot imagine how nervous one would feel
taking a test for certification with an unfamiliar reader. My advice is to
give them instructions such as spelling unfamiliar words, telling you where
they see underlined or italics, and if its multiple choice they should
announce the letters such as A, B, C, before reading the choice so you know
where one choice ends and the next begins.

I know you have stricter time constraints on these exams, but what I did was
have them repeat questions I was not sure  of at the end. We did the exam,
and with left over time we reviewed any ones I wanted to come back to. I'd
ask the reader to mark these certain questions if I felt we needed to review
them.
I had double time and never ran out of time.
But these exams are likely longer, so you may not have time for this.

Good luck.

-----Original Message-----
From: MARY CHAPPELL
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 2:40 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Mary and all,
I am appreciative of the concern of the costly factors to my situation;
however, I will not volitionally place my employment status in jeopardy.
Work with an unfamiliar reader/scribe is  problematic as following my brain
injury I have a processing delay and disorganization may be detrimental to
my successful completion. This is why I mention the threat to my employment.
Mary Tatum Chappell, Psy.D.

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Merry
Schoch
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 8:25 AM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Hi Mary,

After reading all the posts regarding this issue it appears there are many
of us out there who are facing the same situation.  However, your situation
has costly consequences in regards to your employment.  You are truly a
courageous Federationist!  I would hate to see your job be at risk.    I am
usually optimistic but I am pretty sure this issue will not be resolved by
December.  Believe me we will all march forward to get this resolved.  I
have not scheduled my exam; however my accommodations requests expires but I
may just have to let it expire, because then we have another issue...why
after all of our educational experience are we not the ones that are the
expert at requesting the accommodations we need...why is it our physicians ?
Mine actually wrote on the form that he did not know; the other physician
wrote what I told him. I agree that we should show proof of the disability
but that is as far as it goes (in my opinion).    We have a great deal of
work to do!  Thank you for being a part of our efforts as we move forward in
our endeavor to "Change What It Means to be Blind".

Merry

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of MARY
CHAPPELL
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 9:07 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Darla,
In speaking with Mr. Brown in the past, I learned that legal proceedings to
insure that lawyers who sit for the bar could use screen reading software
for the exam has been legally secured. I am certain that this was a long and
arduous process; however, if it can change what it means to be blind, I want
to be a part of the fight. I will lose a significant amount if this is not
realized by December and I will have to assess as the time comes nearer.
-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla
Rogers
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 8:51 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Cc: 'Charles Brown'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Quite right, Mary; this disregard and paternalism and ignorance has gone on
way long enough; maybe Mr. Brown can tell us if anyone has won a lawsuit
against a testing entity.  It seems I remember, at least one, but I am not
even sure how to Google it.
How dare they keep you from retaining employment; it would be neat to see a
class of folks who want to test sued; litigation, as you know, takes time,
but you could probably sue for lost potential wages--actually in your
case--they would be real wages.
Darla

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of MARY
CHAPPELL
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 7:44 PM
To: 'Human Services Mailing List'
Cc: 'Charles Brown'
Subject: Re: [humanser] NCE Question

Jeannie,
I am dealing with this dilemma at this exact moment. Trying to sit for my
EPPP licensure so I can ethically practice, move into additional private
practice as I have many referrals who are awaiting the occurrence and, I
must have the necessary licensure to stay gainfully employed where I have
been for 5 years. Like you I have been told the there is only a computerized
version; I have been denied access using screen reading software. The state
agency has agreed to provide the software, load it at the proctor site for
the exam, and offer trouble shooting support and, yet, the licensing board
has denied the accommodation. They have offered large print or reader and
scribe. As a doctorate in psychology I was insensed by the dismissive tone
and disregard and I have asked that the Federation aid me in resolving this
issue. Obviously, this delays this necessary process but, I feel I must
fight. I am copying Charlie Brown of the Federation in hopes that he may
speak to this question.
I hope our collective voices will enact change mechanisms so that we may
function wholly as the mental health professionals that we are.
Genuinely,
Mary Tatum Chappell, Psy. D.
-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of JMassay
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 6:48 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Subject: [humanser] NCE Question

Hello all-

It's great to see the recent activity on the list! I have a quick question
for anyone who has recently or is getting ready to take the NCE Exam , or
well, actually, any other Masters level licensure examination. I have been
told that , although the exam is in an electronic format, I will have to
take it with a scribe and a reader in a private room. I would like to ask
everyone's thoughts on this issue and learn from your experiences as well.

I appreciate any feedback that you can give me and anyone else preparing to
take a certification or licensure exam in the mental health field.

Jeannie

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