Re: Digest Number 982

The GRE is issued in many countries, not just the U.S. - as such, I
doubt the test institute is unfamiliar with the concept of divergent
keyboard arrangements.

Have you contacted the facility and asked? (If you already answered
this, I missed that message and I apologize). They might be fully
willing to cooperate with such a request, using their own keyboard.

--Keith Ratliff
Dvorak Afficionado
http://keithratliff.com/transfer/typematrixdvorak.png


On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 8:37 AM, Paul Martzen <[email protected]> wrote:
> 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
>
> -----
>
> *
>
> 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"
>> >
>>
>
>