Hi Mike,
When I approached my local club to schedule my exam, I asked if I could use
my laptop with JAWS so I could have access to the calculator and they said
that shouldn't be a problem.
I positioned it so they could see it and as it turned out, I was able to
take my extra and pass without the calculator. The math questions I
received were easily solved in my head.
I could understand that they wouldn't like a braille notetaker because they
don't know what you are reading in braille. By the way, I didn't use
headphones with my laptop so they could see and hear everything.
I believe the main problem is lack of understanding.
73's
Howard #3
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Keithley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011 2:34 AM
Subject: Re: Resources for Getting Your Technician License
> 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
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