Inclusive Accommodations for Persons with Visual Impairments in ComputerBased Tests

Abstract

The accommodations in exams (for example, scribe, compensatory time, and magnification) are widely used for many years to accommodate persons with visual impairments (PVIs). Nowadays, most of the exams are conducted using computers and web-based technologies, referred to as Computer-based tests (CBTs). These CBTs play an important role in the professional assessment of an individual, starting from university admissions, courses evaluation, and grading, to recruitment in various sectors like banking, software, railways, etc. Barriers in accessing certain components of the CBTs limit the utilization of Computer-based technologies for PVIs. In this research, the availability and effectiveness of common accommodations in CBTs were evaluated and reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the early attempts from India to systematically study the effectiveness of these accommodations. Driven by a universal design approach, it can play a key role towards the development of an inclusive examination system.