When I took my exams, they did not allow a laptop with a screenreader. Likewise, I couldn't use my Braille Sense notetaker. But a stand-alone calculator was allowed.

----- Original Message -----
From: David thurmond <[log in to unmask]>
To:  [log in to unmask]
Date: Monday, Dec 12, 2011 05:40:51
Subject: Resources for Getting Your Technician License

>
>
> Linda,
> 
> Welcome to the list.  You had written earlier about next steps for
> getting your technician's license.  Relax, it is easier than you
> think!
> 
> For starters, you will need to get the technician class manual.  It
> includes all of the information you will need to study to pass your
> exam, plus the actual question pool from which your test will be
> drawn.  It is available at:
> 
> http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-license-manual
> 
> The version of the manual on this site is text-based and should be
> compatible with screen-reading or Braille software.  If that doesn't
> work for you, try HandiHams, which I believe has an audio version.  If
> that still doesn't work, I believe you can get a Braille or audio
> version if you enroll at the Hadley School for the Blind, which is
> free.  One way or the other, you should be able to get a copy of the
> study material in a format you can access.
> 
> There is also an excellent web site for exam practice that gives you
> instant feedback after a practice test, including your score and which
> questions you got right/wrong.  If you can pass this exam
> consistently, your actual test will be a piece of cake:
> 
> http://aa9pw.com/
> 
> (This site also has great resources for learning Morse code, which is
> no longer a requirement for your license, but you will definitely want
> to do it anyway!)
> 
> The final hurdle is to find a way to take the test.  You can find out
> when exams are offered in your area at:
> 
> http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
> 
> However, if the thought of taking an exam in a huge room with umpteen
> other folks with someone who might not be able to assist with your
> disability is a concern, fear not!  There is a link on this same page
> where you can search for local ham clubs.  Many will happily give you
> the exam in a smaller setting.  I found some of the nicest guys I ever
> met this way.  They read me the exam orally and I just told them my
> choices, so accessing the exam was not a problem at all.  I did bring
> my laptop so that I would have access to the calculator with my
> screen-reading software; you definitely need some sort of accessible
> calculator for several of the questions.  This exam session resulted
> not only in my getting my license, but a very fun afternoon, as we all
> had a good "rag chew" after the test was all over.  I think they would
> have all rushed out to put a tower up in my backyard right then and
> there if I had had the money to buy one right then. :)
> 
> If I can pass the exam, anyone can, just takes a little study.  I am
> about to take my general class exam soon.  Good luck with your test!
> 
> David Thurmond, KK4ADV