[Nfb-science] The Definition of a Qualified Reader?

[Kartik Sawhney]

ETS has a documents that lays down guidelines for test readers and
writers. This document clearly states that the test reader should be
familiar with the content being tested.

On 3/7/17, Elizabeth Mohnke via Nfb-science <nfb-science at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello Robert,
>
> Thank you for taking the time to respond to my message. I agree with your
> answer. However, it appears as though my college does not agree with this
> answer. Do you know of any credible authoritative sources that would agree
> with this definition of a qualified reader? I do not believe simply saying
> that other blind people agree with me is going to work well for me when
> advocating for myself with the people in the disabilities office at my
> college.
>
> Thanks,
> Elizabeth
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfb-science [mailto:nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> rjaquiss via Nfb-science
> Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2017 2:11 PM
> To: 'NFB Science and Engineering Division List' <nfb-science at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: rjaquiss <rjaquiss at earthlink.net>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-science] The Definition of a Qualified Reader?
>
> Hello Elizageth:
>
>      In my opinion, a qualified reader would be someone knowledgeable in the
> subject area for which you need reading. Since you are needing help with
> math, a qualified reader would be someone who knows math. In your case, I
> would think you would want a upper class math major or someone who is
> becoming a math teacher. At the very least, the reader needs to have very
> good skills with the type of material you are studying. When it comes to
> graphs and charts, I would suggest that these need to be rendered tactually
> using either capsule paper or a a ViewPlus Technologies embosser. I can't
> imagine trying to understand a graph or chart without a hard copy
> representation. Hope this helps.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfb-science [mailto:nfb-science-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> Elizabeth Mohnke via Nfb-science
> Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2017 10:33 AM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFB Science and
> Engineering Division List; NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
> Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke
> Subject: [Nfb-science] The Definition of a Qualified Reader?
>
> Hello All,
>
> This past semester I was not able to receive the accommodations I needed for
> a math class. Since I do not know Braille very well, or know how to make a
> screen reader on a computer read the various math symbols, graphs, and
> charts, I find that using a human reader is the best way for me to gain
> equal access to the course materials required for my math classes.
>
> However, it appears as though my college and I do not agree on what
> constitutes as a qualified reader. I have tried searching online to see if I
> can find a legal definition of a qualified reader, or any recent settlement
> cases involving the use of a reader to see if this might help provide some
> clarification as to what constitutes as a qualified reader. However, I have
> not been able to find anything that I believe would help me. It seems as
> though all the definitions I have found regarding the definition of a
> qualified reader are rather vague and could be interpreted in different ways
> by different people.
>
> I am currently trying to write a complaint using the complaint process
> within my college regarding the lack of accommodations I received for my
> math class this semester. I am not completely sure how to write this
> complaint, but I believe having a clear definition of what constitutes a
> qualified reader would be helpful for this complaint as well as advocating
> for myself as a blind student with an additional disability. If anyone has a
> good clear definition of what constitutes as a qualified reader, I would
> greatly appreciate hearing from you.
>
> Thanks,
> Elizabeth
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-Kartik Sawhney,
+1-(510) 766-3419
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