The technology requirements in this section are specific to computer-based testing with braille. The hardware and software that are used for braille testing require the use of a supported Windows operating system.
Students can use the same screen reader with the Windows secure browser as with other computer applications. When the student is using a screen reader, the test presentation setting must be “Braille” to alert the TDS that a student is testing using a resource to accommodate for visual impairments and not because the student is using an RBD or embossing specifically.
Table 1 provides a list of third-party screen readers that can be used in the TDS.
The student cannot use NVDA for ELA assessments without having the read-aloud accommodation set, since read-aloud for reading passages cannot be suppressed in this product.
The test presentation setting must be set to braille, whether or not student is a braille user.
This software requires additional setup before use with the TDS (refer to the configuration instructions).
The student cannot use VoiceOver for ELA assessments without having the read aloud accommodation set, since reading passages cannot be suppressed in this product.
The test presentation setting must be set to braille, whether or not the student is a braille user.
The student cannot use Windows Narrator for ELA assessments, ELPAC, or the CSA, as read aloud for reading passages cannot be suppressed in this product.
The test presentation setting must be set to braille, whether or not the student is a braille user.
RBDs
A student who needs to use an RBD not mentioned in table 2 should test it with a practice test to ensure there are no issues before its use with an operational assessment. The student using an RBD for the practice test must log on using a supported secure browser.
RBDs not listed here may include unwanted features that a student should not use while testing. A TA or TE may need to monitor a student who uses such an RBD.
Table 2 provides a list of supported RBDs that students can use to read braille content.
Other applications present include a word processor, email, internet, contacts, planner, file manager, calculator, Victor Reader, Play Store, and KNFB Reader.
A student can only use this device for testing in Braille Terminal mode.
This device is equipped with an SD card that should be removed before the student takes an assessment.
The TA or TE will need to ensure the student does not use features outside of the braille display functionality.
CAI recommends RBDs with at least 40 cells, but the student may use a display with fewer cells if preferred.
There can be a security concern if the wrong version of this product is used.
The student should not use the HumanWare Brailliant BI 14 RBD, which can automatically synchronize notes typed internally with a mail application, potentially violating test security.
A student using the QBraille XL in the TDS must be monitored to ensure they are not accessing unwanted internal applications, such as the calculator and notepad.
Software for TAs and TEs
Embossers and Embossing Software
Embossers must be used to emboss any test content that cannot be read by RBDs; this includes content on mathematics and science assessments and some of the content on ELA and ELPAC domain assessments. Different embossing software is required for embossing PRN and BRF file types. The printed file types depend on the content being embossed.
Table 3 provides a list of embossers and embossing software supported for TA and TE computers.
Table 3. Supported Embossers and Embossing Software
This product requires additional setup before use with the TDS (refer to the configuration instructions).
The embosser is used for embossing PRN files from print requests with tactile or spatial components, such as images.
A ViewPlus embosser requires that the user download and install the embosser driver prior to embossing.
PRN files are formatted for a specific printer driver and may need to be converted for use with the specific embosser (refer to the Sending PRN Files to the Embosser with Tiger Viewer subsection for more details).
TA or TE Screen Reader Specifications
If a TA or TE requires the use of a screen reader (JAWS, NVDA) to set up or administer test sessions, the TA or TE is recommended to use the most recent Firefox or Chrome web browser. Web browser issues should be directed to a network or IT coordinator within the LEA.
TOMS Test Settings for Consideration
Table 4 is a list of all test settings in TOMS that should be considered for students with visual impairments prior to the start of summative testing. For a comprehensive explanation of every test setting available in TOMS, please refer to the file specifications in the current test setting spreadsheets linked on the Accessibility Resources web page for CAASPP and ELPAC. Refer also to the Test Settings subsection in the TOMS User Guide or the ISAAP Tool User Guide for instructions on how to set accessibility resources for students.
Table 4. TOMS Student Test Settings for Students with Visual Impairments
