This presentation will focus on the process of making decisions about reviewing and interpreting print diagrams from national exams (standardized tests) and converting them into braille tactile graphics. With more and more emphasis being placed on high stakes testing, students with visual impairments are taking braille versions of tests that can impact advancement to the next grade, college admission, scholarship eligibility, etc. It is critical that the braille versions of tests be carefully designed to provide students with accurate tools, enabling them to reach these levels of achievement. The presentation of tactile diagrams in testing situations is critical because the diagrams usually stand alone, assuming that the student has a full range of knowledge about the subject. This differs from regular classroom instruction because in testing situations there is very little context around the test items. Specific examples will be shown from math, science, social studies and reading tests to illustrate the process of analyzing print diagrams to make decisions about appropriate modifications for tactile diagrams based upon the constructs being tested. Items that cannot be recreated in braille tactile graphic form will be discussed as well as strategies for working with test publishers and/or educational agencies to communicate the needs of students with visual impairments in testing situations.
Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low
Contains advanced technical content: No
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