Tarren (They/Them)
Question for #HamRadio folx out there who are also #Blind. How did you handle questions on the test that use schematics? I just discovered this is an issue while studying on a site that, so far, has been reasonably accessible. Hoping figuring out how others have handled it might help me figure out how to proceed and/or what suggestions I can make to the site so I can proceed and/or others after me don't face the same problems. Thanks in advance, and please boost for reach.
Dec 9 at 11:46pmWeb
Show threadNicks WorldDec 9
@tarrenvane i've been told that its possible to request for accommodations so you don't get those questions, but I don't know if that's per state.
Show threadTyler SchroderDec 9
@tarrenvane if helpful - examiners can generate and deliver an exam without graphics or schematics on request. At least on the Exam.Tools platform (same software as hamstudy.org). Have done this before as a VE. Can’t speak to studying the questions though.
Show threadW6KMEDec 9
@tarrenvane I've reached out to the ARRL VEC for an answer. I do know all accommodations are made, but I don't know about the schematics-it's a good question. As soon as I have the answer I'll post it.
Show threadLino Morales the no good hamDec 9
@tarrenvane Its not required for the VE team to read you questions that have diagrams. I took the tech exam 3 times before I passed it in 2023. The previous year they read me the questions with said diagrams. I failed it.
Show threadTarren (They/Them)Dec 9
@Lino0876 Hmmmm, so I just need to figure out if I can move on with this study platform even if I don't get enough right...and my thought is to suggest to them that if a person is using a screen reader, those questions get skipped. Sound about right?
Show threadLino Morales the no good hamDec 9
@tarrenvane Pretty much. What site/app are you using? I highly recommend www.hamstudy.org/
Show threadTarren (They/Them)Dec 10
@Lino0876 I've been on www.hamradioprep.com, which mostly works just fine. I was able to carry on past that lesson at least, even if I didn't get a great score on it because I guessed at the schematic questions so I could get past them.
Show threadTarren (They/Them)Dec 10
@Lino0876 hamstudy.com only serves up questions, doesn't it?
Show threadJayson SmithDec 10
@tarrenvane I forget which site I was using, but there was one back in 2002 which I used to study for my Tech exam, and they allowed you to specify that questions with schematics/diagrams/etc. are not to be used in your practice exams.
Show threadSteveDec 10
@tarrenvane You can request an exam which omits diagrams. I tried but got them anyway, but only two or three questions total.
Show threadKF7CCC AndrewDec 10

@tarrenvane FCC regulation 97.509(k) says, "The administering VEs must accommodate an examinee whose physical disabilities require a special examination procedure. The administering VEs may require a physician's certification indicating the nature of the disability before determining which, if any, special procedures must be used."

In general, let the volunteer examiners know before the test and they should be able to figure it out. There are versions of the exam with no schematics.