[humanser] Examinations

Sun Aug 4 10:34:15 UTC 2013

From my personal experiences, individuals can take a computer-based GRE that uses it's own screen-access software.  The program has both a screen-reader and screen magnification.  I used this program in 2009, when it was fairly new; so, I am sure that it has improved, especially with the new exam that ETS started in 2011.
Regarding the director of the accommodations program, I think they changed individuals since the individual I delt with in 22009-2010 and 2011, is no longer working for ETS.  Hope this helps, have a good day.

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 3, 2013, at 10:24 PM, "MARY CHAPPELL" <MTC5 at COX.NET> wrote:

> Jeannie,
> I applaud your accomplishments with ETS and access with JAWS. When I was
> newly blind, brain injury in 2000, and petitioning for the Graduate
> Readiness Exam (GRE) I was denied access with screen reading software. That
> was 2004 and, nearly 10  years later, not much has changed. Then I was the
> vice president of my NFB chapter and vice president of our state student
> division. I was so preoccupied with "getting on with my life" having had to
> learn to walk, talk, feed myself, breathe  on my own, while acquiring
> blindness skills, that I lacked the fire to fight this issue. Today, I do
> walk, I definitely talk, and I am continually developing blindness skills (I
> suspect I have greater deficits in Braille literacy than you, the brain
> injury dampened my nerve sensation and fine motor skills leaving me less
> than perceptive with Braille and only able to detect jumbo Braille); all in
> all I am undergoing a continual process of overcoming and becoming. I refuse
> to allow this discriminatory process of erecting barriers to stop my process
> of growth and development. My hope is that a decision will be made that will
> allow JAWS but, if it does not happen in time, I will take the exam with the
> less than favorable accommodation and go on to fight for those following in
> similar pursuit so they will not be without choice in their examination
> process. 
> I thank you, Jeannie, for sharing your story and fight. I trust that
> something will be enacted to offer you relief in whatever next steps need be
> taken and, in November things will proceed in a manner that will afford you
> the fullest success. 
> Genuinely,
> Mary Tatum Chappell
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of JMassay
> Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 8:09 PM
> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [humanser] Examinations
> 
> All-
> 
> I understand about Mary's concerns due to a brain injury. I do not have one
> but lost vision as an adult, have only used technology   in an educational
> setting and my Braille skills are well., less than they should be (I'm
> working on it!).  My ability to process information has not readily adapted
> to a human reader. Could I practice this skill? Well, yes, but I shouldn't
> have to do so. To me it is the same as if all of the sighted examinees were
> told that they must use a scribe and reader as well. Most would consider
> that ridiculous.  
> 
> In 2007 when beginning to register for the GRE, I lobbied to take the entire
> test with JAWS. Initially I was denied but ETS (Educational Testing
> Services) eventually came around once I had contact with the director of
> Disability Services at ETS. She has now attended a few student seminars at
> the annual Washington Seminar. Things can be changed when we all come
> together. I , like mary have an exam deadline, mine is the end of November.
> I'll have to file for an extension but it will be well worth it if we can
> make something happen. 
> 
> Sorry I haven't replied in a few days, I have my list serve feedback on
> summery. I'll change it back so that I can more readily reply to everyone.
> I'm clearly fired up about this issue and am so appreciative of the fact
> that I am not in this alone. 
> 
> Thanks my brothers and sisters,
> 
> Jeannie 
> 
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