[acb-hsp] Clinical testing problem

[Darian Slayton Fleming]

Hi List,

I am preparing to take the clinical exam to obtain my license as a clinical social worker (LCSW).

I was approved to take the exam, and when I attempted to order the practice exam, which is administered on line at the Associated Social Work Boards’ web site (aswb.com), they told me the practice exam is not accessible with screen readers.  It costs $75 to purchase; then you get a user name and password, take the exam and it is scored on line.

They have told me it is not accessible with screen readers.  They say they don’t have the means on site to test the exam with screen readers.  When I explained that I thought their IT people needed to resolve this issue, they told me there were other testing products on the market that I could purchase, I asked them to recommend one or two.  I was told that they could not endorse products that were not their own.  I suggested that I thought it was a reasonable accommodation that they should be able to recommend other products to me if they could not accommodate me with their products.  They also informed me that they do offer accommodations such as providing readers and extra time at their testing sites.  I believe they also have to make their practice exam accessible.  If they claim undue hardship, it seems to me they should have to recommend other products that are accessible.

They then instructed me to send them an email stating these points.

Through my investigation I have learnd that this is a Title III issue and that the ASWB must comply with web site accessibility.  Even though parts of the web site are accessible, so should be the practice exam process on their web site.

I am wondering, has anyone on this list or someone you know run into this issue?  If yes, how did, or did you resolve the issue?  Were you able to take a practice exam as part of your study process?

Did you file a complaint with the DOJ?  If so, what is the status of your complaint?

Do you know of any other practiceexam products that are accessible?

I am copying my message ehre to my clinical supervisor.  I am also sending a summary of this message to the person at the ASWB who asked for it.  Thanks for any information you might share with me.

Darian Slayton Fleming
ACB-HSP President
darehart56 at hotmail.com
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