Apparently decisions on what is acceptable and is not is left up to the VE 
team involved.  Some teams do allow people to use their laptops as 
calculators and others do not.  The head of the VEs here in this area would 
more likely be opposed to allowing a laptop or a notetaker that he didn
t understand.  Several of the VEs under him say they see no problem with it.

73,
Bob WA0KZB
----- 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