Re: Digest Number 982

I fully support Gregory's suggestion that the Dvorak option should be 
available and above board.   I think legal action to support this is 
also appropriate, if needed.

The GRE has a time consuming and awkward process for obtaining 
nonstandard testing for those with disabilities.   That process seems 
inappropriate for requesting the Dvorak layout.  That process and other 
information is described at:
http://www.ets.org


Contact information for GRE specific questions is here:
http://tinyurl.com/GRE-Test-Contacts

Contact information for the main Princeton office is here:
http://tinyurl.com/ETS-org-Princeton

ETS Corporate Headquarters
Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541 USA

Phone: *1-609-921-9000*
FAX: *1-609-734-5410

Since the GRE is a standardized test, there is no way that outside 
keyboards would be allowed in the test center, as there is no way that 
they could determine whether the keyboards had not been preprogramed 
with answers or essays.   There is also no way that test takers would be 
allowed access to operating system functions on the test machines.    If 
the Dvorak option is to be available to test takers, the ETS corporation 
will have to specifically allow it. 

If enough people request this option and raise a big enough ruckus, then 
ETS will go to the small effort of making the Dvorak keyboard option 
available to all test takers who need it. 

I am going to write to ETS corporation and request that the Dvorak 
keyboard option be available to all test takers with out having to jump 
through hoops or request far in advance.  I suggest all of us who want 
to help out do the same.   Depending on the response we get, we may then 
discuss legal remedies.    All of us writing to the GRE and requesting 
Dvorak availability is probably the biggest help we can give to Colin 
and other Dvorak users who need to take the GRE test.

Paul Martzen
-----------------------
Below is the text of an email that I just sent to them.   If I do not 
get a favorable response, I will send a letter and perhaps by registered 
post.    As Gregory suggested we have to document our efforts to make 
the Dvorak option available.   Then we have a foundation to take to 
court if necessary.   I suggest that all the rest of you send similar 
letters.
---------

I understand that the GRE test has a typing component on a computer 
keyboard.  I touch type exclusively using the Dvorak keyboard layout, 
which is a standard feature in all computer operating systems and which 
is an approved ANSI keyboard layout. 

While I can hunt and peck on the Qwerty keyboard layout, I cannot touch 
type on that layout and would be at a big disadvantage if I am forced to 
use the Qwerty layout. 

Do your test computers have options to switch between Qwerty and Dvorak, 
or do you have hard wired Dvorak labeled keyboards available for the use 
of myself and other Dvorak users?

Sincerely,

Paul Martzen

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*


on Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 4:04 AM, gregorystuartgordon <
>
>     [email protected]
>     <mailto:gregory%40lightoftheworld.com>> wrote:
>
>     > It's been a long time since I took the LSAT and I was completely
>     > unaware that they now had a typewriting section on these
>     standardized
>     > tests. Since the Dvorak arrangement is an American National
>     > Standards Institute officially approved keyboard arrangement my
>     > suggestion, nay, request is that you bring in a dual labled keyboard
>     > such as the Kinesis Advantage Mac/PC Qwerty-Dvorak keyboard and use
>     > it. But make absolutely sure that you do not lie about having a pre-
>     > existing condition that you do not have. You can say that you "dont
>     > want to get" Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or a Repetitive Stress
>     Injury but
>     > if you don't already have it don't say you do.
>     >
>     > Here is the game plan. Bring in your keyboard and a recorder and
>     > record mentally, physically or through another witness (the latter
>     > being better than the former) and note exactly what the response is.
>     > If they allow you to take the exam, then we have documentation for
>     > future cases. If not I promise that somehow I will get the case
>     > reviewed by every court all the way up to the Supreme Court of the
>     > United States of America. New is the time for all good men to come
>     > to the aid of their country. "You gotta fight for your right to
>     > type."
>     >
>     > Also pleass see my video: "Windows Dvorak program can save one
>     > trillion dollars per year" at my youtube site "/gregorysgordon"
>     >
>