[acb-hsp] Clinical testing problem

[Jennifer Harnish]

    You say two different things that I  wanted to clarify. First you stated
that the exam is not accessible by your screen reader but then you stated
that they do not have the means to test the accessibility of the exam . So I
am wondering how you or they know for sure that the exam is not accessible?
I  ask this because one possible solution would be for them to hire the
developer of your screen reader to test the accessibility of the exam in
order to confirm its accessibility or not. Their concern may be that the
content needs to be kept secure like any testing material, but if they hire
the independent source, would this not be a  reasonable first step? 
 
I  have also been led to understand that the NASW is supportive of
therapists with disabilities. Perhaps they can refer you to an LICSW who has
taken this exam recently using a  screen reader if you cannot find someone
on this list or thru other contacts. 
What a  frustrating place to find yourself in after working so hard to get
to this final step in the process. Especially if you have studied for this
exam, time is certainly critical here.
I  will ask around my area about LICSW's who may have dealt with this issue.
Jennifer Harnish

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From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of
Darian Slayton Fleming
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 2:37 PM
To: acb-hsp at acb.org
Subject: [acb-hsp] Clinical testing problem


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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