SO Kanchan Ma'm, have you prepared any arguments to be presented before UPSC and other officials in the next meeting?
On 6/16/15, Mohib Anwar Rafay <[email protected]> wrote: > If we remain closed on the educational qualification issue, nothing > will work. We will have to reach to a plausible resolution. > We'll have to keep in mind, these guidelines will not only be > applicable on UPSC and SSC, but it will cover all other examination > conducting authorities. Therefore the issue of educational > qualification of the scribe shall always haunt the authorities. > Ok, we can take it other way round, let them fix that qualification > criteria of the scribe in such a way that he shouldn't have passed the > higher degree in the same subject in which the examinee is appearing. > But it would be difficult to determine in competitive exams, because > these exams have almost all the subjects of general studies. > > On 6/16/15, Mohib Anwar Rafay <[email protected]> wrote: >> But the argument of UPSC, for not providing the question paper in >> braille or in computer format, is based on slightly different ground. >> They are beating the drum on the song of security. According to them >> outsourcing the publication of question paper may result into some >> security concerns. Which is not true in my humble opinion. They should >> assign this task to their trusted agencies or should hire one. >> >> On 6/16/15, George Abraham <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Writing exams on computers or writing exams in Braille are the best >>> options. But there are a large number of students/candidates who are not >>> computer literate or for that matter Braille literate. Hence scribes are >>> needed. But the way forward should be towards independent exam writing >>> in >>> Braille or on computers. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >>> Behalf >>> Of sanjay >>> Sent: 16 June 2015 17:07 >>> To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and >>> issuesconcerning >>> the disabled. >>> Subject: Re: [AI] Writer guidelines >>> >>> Why blind people should not be compelled to give their exams via >>> computers. >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "George Abraham" <[email protected]> >>> To: "'AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues >>> concerningthe disabled.'" <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2015 4:39 PM >>> Subject: Re: [AI] Writer guidelines >>> >>> >>>> Quality of scribe should not be compromised at any cost. People who >>>> conduct >>>> the exams have to tighten the invigilation. Totally with you on this. >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >>>> Behalf >>>> Of Kotian, H P >>>> Sent: 16 June 2015 16:13 >>>> To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues >>> concerning >>>> the disabled. >>>> Subject: Re: [AI] Writer guidelines >>>> >>>> All >>>> We should steadfastly oppose any move to dilute the scribe guidelines. >>> The >>>> only point of discussion is the alternatives available to strengthen >>>> the >>>> invigilation process. >>>> >>>> We should rightfully use the UNCRPD provisions to strengthen the case. >>>> >>>> Harish Kotian >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >>>> Behalf >>>> Of Amit Bhatt >>>> Sent: 16 June 2015 15:19 >>>> To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues >>> concerning >>>> the disabled. >>>> Subject: Re: [AI] Writer guidelines >>>> >>>> I also endorse your opinion. >>>> If guideline needs to be blind centric, then the examination venue >>>> should >>>> also be within the reach of the candidates. So she/he can easily reach >>>> to >>>> the center. >>>> It has been noticed on numerous occasion when the venue was kept on >>>> very >>>> awkward and far-off areas. >>>> Candidates of Delhi would be agree with the recent example of OICL >>>> examination center. >>>> >>>> Thanks, >>>> >>>> Amit Bhatt >>>> On 6/16/15, Kotian, H P <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> All >>>>> According to me, the writer guidelines should be blind centric. >>>>> 1 Blindness can come in any times of ones life and therefore the >>>>> ability to deal with blindness varies with person's situation >>>>> 2Technical subjects also needs writer who are familiar with the >>>>> subject >>>>> 3 Writers provided by examination body are usually not upto the mark >>>>> and there are umpteenth examples where the blind person has to suffer >>>>> as a result of it. >>>>> 4 Strict invillation is the only solution for dealing with any >>>>> malpractise and one can always resort to technology solutions like >>>>> videography which is not very expensive these days. >>>>> >>>>> We cannot go back to the 2006 situation which we got it with a lot of >>>>> difficulty and convincing.the only way forward is to impress on making >>>>> the envigilation process more stricter and to curb any leakages if >>> found. >>>>> >>>>> Harish Kotian >>>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: AccessIndia [mailto:[email protected]] On >>>>> Behalf Of Kotian, H P >>>>> Sent: 16 June 2015 11:20 >>>>> To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues >>>>> concerning the disabled. >>>>> Subject: [AI] Writer guidelines >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> All >>>>> Copying below a mail from Kanchan which did not get on the list. >>>>> Harish Kotian >>>>> >>>>> Quoting: >>>>> >>>>> Dear Friends, >>>>> The time has come to once again discuss this very important issue. Let >>>>> us do so objectively whilst keeping in mind the UPSC and SSB's >>>>> objections to the qualification of writers. >>>>> Just to recap. >>>>> 1. We had a meeting in Feb. 2008 with the ministry and the minutes >>>>> were recorded and nothing further happened for many years apart from >>>>> individuals getting reliefs from different courts on a case to case >>>> basis. >>>>> 2. Certain senior memmbers of this group approached the CCPD and >>>>> Ministry in >>>>> 2012 and submitted the representation copied below. >>>>> 3. I am not sure whether CCPD issued the 2013 guidelines taking into >>>>> consideration the representation of 2012 or only considered the >>>>> representation and minutes of 2008. >>>>> 4. Many VI candidates appearing for the UPSC 2014 have represented >>>> toUPSC >>>>> that the Preliminary examination should be with the candidate's writer >>>>> while the Main examination should be with UPSC's writer. They have a >>>>> valid point but then the SSB feels that its exam should be with the >>>>> SSB's writer. If this goes on and if any concession is made for any >>>>> Examiner then we are back to pre-2006 situation. >>>>> 5. We have 2 routes open at the Meeting that is to be held this >>>>> week- one stick to the 2013 guidelines and wait till UPSC blinks and >>>> back to court. >>>>> or be practical and give some concession on the qualification of a >>>> writer. >>>>> Both positions are correct. Both positions are vulnerable and we have >>>>> to be realistic and vigilant. >>>>> Whatever is the advice of this group I will be carrying to Delhi. I >>>>> have always share the issues and have always gone with the majority >>>> opinion. >>>>> This has been my baby since 2006 when I first got guidelines for >>>>> Maharashtra. >>>>> Waiting for a detailed discussion. >>>>> Copying below the 10 page representation that was submitted in 2012. >>>>> Can we find a compromise between 2013 guidelines and 2012 >>> representation? >>>>> >>>>> Annexure A >>>>> Uniform Guidelines for Conducting Examinations (Practicals and/or >>>>> Theory) for Blind and Low Vision Persons >>>>> Purpose: >>>>> These guidelines are being issued by the Ministry of Social Justice >>>>> and Empowerment, Government of India on the basis of the state's legal >>>>> obligations towards persons with disabilities. More specifically, >>>>> obligations and rights enshrined in the Constitution of India, the >>>>> Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights >>>>> and Full >>>>> Participation) Act, 1995 and the Right to Education Act, 2009. These >>>>> guidelines are also in alignment with India's obligations under the >>>>> United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities >>>>> (UNCRPD), >>>>> 2006 guaranteeing all human rights and fundamental freedoms at the >>>>> place of study and work. It will, hence, apply to all examining >>>>> authorities and examinations/tests in India. >>>>> These guidelines need to be understood in the spirit of seeking to >>>>> provide the appropriate reasonable accommodation and opportunity to >>>>> blind and low vision candidates to effectively participate in the >>>>> examination process. The examining authorities may further interpret >>>>> the guidelines to help blind and low vision persons to be able to give >>>>> their exams freely and fairly. Rigid interpretation which tends to be >>>>> disabling needs to be avoided. In all interpretation, the onus needs >>>>> to be given to making the examination process conducive and >>>>> barrier-free >>>> for the candidate. >>>>> Further, these guidelines have to be seen as an evolving set of rules >>>>> which will be reviewed and built upon on a periodic basis. They aim to >>>>> encourage multiple methods of taking exams such as Braille, computers, >>>>> adaptive technologies etc. based on varied candidate needs rather than >>>>> restrict the heterogeneous group within a single format. These >>>>> guidelines are aimed at increasing the opportunities available to >>>>> blind and low vision persons and make the process of exam-taking by >>>>> them widely known and understood to all stakeholders. >>>>> These guidelines are being framed for blind and low vision persons >>>>> specifically. The Ministry or examination bodies can borrow the same >>>>> for other persons with disabilities as also for temporary disabling >>>>> and limiting conditions with additional specification that will need >>>>> to be made for other situations. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Guidelines >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 1: Definitions >>>>> For the purpose of these guidelines, >>>>> >>>>> 1. "Blind Person" means a person having the condition of >>>>> blindness, >>>> as >>>>> defined >>>>> under the existing national disability laws enforced from time to >>>>> time. >>>>> >>>>> 2. "Person with low vision" means a person having the condition >>>>> of >>>> low >>>>> vision >>>>> as defined under the existing national disability laws >>>>> enforced from time to time. >>>>> >>>>> 3. "Disability Certificate" means a certificate issued by a >>>> competent >>>>> authority as >>>>> defined under the existing national disability laws enforced from time >>>>> to time. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 2: General Principles >>>>> 1. These guidelines are applicable across India to all examination >>>>> authorities, >>>>> educational bodies, schools, colleges, universities, competitive exam >>>>> bodies, internal/promotional exams and any other exam/test-taking >>>>> institution that conducts an exam/test within the geographical limits >>>>> of India. >>>>> >>>>> 2. These guidelines apply to theory, practicals and multiple-choice >>>>> examinations; both paper tests as well as electronic examinations. >>>>> 3. The facility of scribe/reader/lab assistant is permitted to any >>>> blind >>>>> and low vision person. >>>>> >>>>> 4. The Examination authorities need to ensure that no candidate with >>>>> blindness or low vision will be discriminated against from an equal >>>>> and fair examination-taking process due to fear of malpractice, >>>>> additional cost or inconvenience. It will remain the responsibility of >>>>> the examination body to ensure appropriate invigilation, provide for >>>>> appropriate finances and resources to create an accessible examination >>>>> taking process for blind and low vision candidates. >>>>> >>>>> 5. The candidate will not be asked to bear any extra cost or fee to >>>> avail >>>>> of accessible examination services. >>>>> 6. To ensure lack of undue inconvenience, an existing valid >>>>> disability >>>>> certificate should be accepted across the country as proof of >>> disability. >>>>> The examination authority is not to ask for any additional disability >>>>> inspection or examination. >>>>> >>>>> 7. The examination/test-taking authorities need to widely and >>>>> appropriately publicize these guidelines to all relevant stakeholders. >>>>> Guideline 3: Use of Scribe/Reader/Lab Assistant >>>>> >>>>> 1. The candidates can opt for their own scribe/reader/lab >>>>> assistant >>>> or >>>>> request the examination body for the same. The candidates' preference >>>>> for the same will be recorded by the examination authority at the time >>>>> of filling up the application form for the examination or at the time >>>>> of admission registration form or as a separate application system set >>>>> up by the examination authority as may be most feasible. >>>>> >>>>> i. If the candidate is bringing their own >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant, the application procedure needs to be >>>>> completed by the candidate at least one to three weeks prior to the >>>>> commencement of the examination. The candidate at the time of >>>>> application to submit any one of the scribe/reader/ lab assistant's >>>>> most readily available bona fide proof (college or school or employer >>>>> ID/bona fide certificate/mark sheet) along with a self declaration on >>>>> a plain paper from the scribe/reader/lab assistant saying that the >>>>> information provided by him/her is true and he/she meets the >>>>> eligibility of the scribe/reader/lab assistant for the said >>>>> examination >>>> and he/she won't indulge in examination malpractice. >>>>> ii. In case of the candidate requesting the >>>>> examination >>>>> authority for a scribe/reader/lab assistant, the said needs to be >>>>> intimated to the examination authority minimum three weeks prior to >>>>> the >>>> examination. >>>>> >>>>> 2. Whether a scribe/reader/lab assistant is brought by the >>> candidate >>>> or >>>>> being provided by the examination authority, the following criteria >>>>> must be >>>>> met: >>>>> i. Fluency in reading and writing in the language of >>>>> the >>>>> test being taken >>>>> ii. Fluency in reading and writing of the subject matter >>> of >>>>> the test >>>>> iii. Speed of writing with legible handwriting >>>>> iv. Efficiency in use of computer, in case it is a >>>>> computer >>>>> test >>>>> >>>>> It shall be the responsibility of the examination authority to ensure >>>>> that no malpractice takes place through effective supervision. The >>>>> quality of the scribe cannot be compromised at the fear of >>>>> malpractice. >>>>> >>>>> 3. The examining body to maintain a panel of scribes/readers/lab >>>>> assistants at the >>>>> District/Division/State level as per the requirements of the >>>>> examination. A scribe/ reader/lab assistant provided by the examining >>>>> body needs to fulfill the criteria as listed in point 3.2. >>>>> >>>>> The examination authority to organize for the candidate to meet the >>>>> scribe/ reader/lab assistant within one week prior up to the date of >>>>> the examination based on the convenience of the candidate. >>>>> >>>>> The candidate shall reserve the right to make an appeal to the >>>>> concerned authority of the examination body in case he/she finds the >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant does not meet the criteria as specified in >>>> point 3.2. >>>>> >>>>> 4. In case of candidate bringing their own scribe/reader/lab >>>> assistant >>>>> the following criteria will apply: >>>>> i. For all examinations and tests up to Standard 8- it would be >>>>> incumbent on the school authorities to create a panel of >>>>> scribes/readers/lab assistants (from other teachers, parents or >>>>> community members who could be part of the scribe/reader/lab assistant >>>>> pool). The examination authority has to provide a scribe/reader/lab >>>>> assistant unless the candidate makes a specific request that he/she >>>>> will arrange a scribe/reader/lab assistant on one's own. Upon making >>>>> such a request, the candidate will be allowed to use their own >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant meeting the criteria laid down in point >>>>> 3.2. There will be no other criteria of age/education. The school has >>>>> to ensure proper invigilation as at a school level it is impractical >>>>> for younger students to be writers. A Standard 3 child cannot be >>> expected >>>> to function as a writer for a Standard 4 child. >>>>> ii. For all examinations from Standard 8 up to post graduation, >>>>> if >>>> the >>>>> candidate and scribe/reader/lab assistant are of the same stream, the >>>>> educational qualifications of the scribe/reader/lab assistant should >>>>> be one year below that of the candidate. This means that if the >>>>> student is appearing for a Second Year Arts/Humanities examination, if >>>>> his scribe/reader/lab assistant is from the Humanities/Arts stream, >>>>> the scribe/reader/lab assistant can be up to the First year. However, >>>>> this condition will not be applicable if they are of different >>>>> streams. That is, if a Second Year Arts/Humanities student uses a >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant from the B.Sc/Science stream the >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant can be from a higher year >>>>> (Third.Year.Science/ Masters in Science etc.) as well. Apart from >>>>> this, no other restrictions such as marks obtained by the >>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant are to be imposed. >>>>> iii. In all other examinations such as all competitive >>>>> examinations, >>>> all >>>>> job examinations, the scribe/reader/lab assistant will be one year >>>>> below the qualifying year for the examination but not less >>>>> than/minimum of Standard 10. i.e. in all cases where the eligibility >>>>> for the examination is less than Standard 10, a scribe/reader/lab >>>>> assistant up to Standard 10 will be permitted. Apart from this, no >>>>> other restrictions such as marks obtained by the scribe/reader/lab >>>> assistant are to be imposed. >>>>> iv. In cases where, if following rule 3.4.ii and 3.4.iii does not >>>> allow >>>>> the writer to meet the minimum eligibility criteria as laid down in >>>>> point 3.2, the candidate will be allowed to use writers of appropriate >>>>> higher years to ensure fluency in reading and writing the subject. The >>>>> examination authority to process these requests on a need basis. For >>>>> e.g., in case of a foreign language paper a junior class student may >>>>> not have fluency in reading the paper at hand, in which case, a same >>>>> year student or higher year student be permitted with proper >>>> invigilation. >>>>> >>>>> 5. The candidate is permitted to take more than one >>>> scribe/reader/lab >>>>> assistant for writing different papers in an examination cycle and >>>>> also for different papers in a single day examination. >>>>> >>>>> 6. In case of emergency situations, there will be flexibility in >>>>> accommodating any last-minute change in scribe/reader/lab assistant. >>>>> For any last-minute change, the candidate can bring a new >>>>> scribe/reader/lab assistant with any of their most readily available >>>>> bona fide proof (college or school or employer ID/bona fide >>>>> certificate/mark sheet) and a letter from the scribe/reader/lab >>>>> assistant saying that the information provided by him/her is true and >>>>> he/she meets the eligibility of the writer for the said examination. >>>>> For emergency situations, the examination bodies will also, at all >>>>> times, keep a pool of scribes/readers/lab assistants that can be >>>>> utilized. The examination authorities' scribe/reader/lab assistant's >>>>> eligibility is only to be measured as per point 3.2 and hence, it >>>>> would be easy for the authorities to keep a pool of qualified >>>> teachers/supervisors etc. who can come in for an emergency. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 4: Mode of Taking Examination >>>>> >>>>> 1. Blind and Low Vision persons will be given the option of >>> choosing >>>>> the mode for taking the examinations i.e. use of writer/scribe, >>>>> Braille, using the computer or in large print or by recording the >>>> answers. >>>>> 2. The candidate will also have the option of selecting a >>>>> question >>>>> paper in alternative formats - Braille, large font, electronic copy >>>>> (latest accessible copies such as Unicode, HTML, RTF, ePUB etc. should >>> be >>>> provided). >>>>> Large font specification needs to be mentioned by the candidate. A >>>>> maximum font size of 20 can be requested for. >>>>> 3. The candidates' preference for the same will be recorded by >>>>> the >>>>> examination authority at the time of filling up the application form >>>>> for examination or at the time of admission registration form or as a >>>>> separate application system set up by the examination authority as may >>>>> be most feasible. >>>>> 4. The examining body to provide reading material in Braille or >>>>> accessible E-Text or large and bold font or on computers having >>>>> suitable screen reading softwares for open-book examinations. >>>>> Similarly, online/computer examinations should be in accessible >>>>> formats i.e. websites, question papers and all other study material >>>>> should be accessible as per the accessibility standards laid down in >>> this >>>> regard. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 5: Computer Assisted Examination >>>>> >>>>> 1. To enable a person with blindness or low vision to write >>>>> his/her >>>> own >>>>> examination using a computer, the following need to be provided by the >>>>> examination centre to the candidate: >>>>> i. A computer loaded with a >>>>> screen reading software and screen Magnification software. >>>>> ii. The configuration of the >>>>> computer should not be less than the installation requirements of the >>>>> screen reading software and screen magnification software. >>>>> iii. The computer must have a >>>>> functional sound card. >>>>> iv. A headset needs to be >>>> provided >>>>> to the user. Candidates should be allowed to bring their own simple >>>>> headsets. >>>>> v. The computer needs to be >>>>> completely free of virus. >>>>> vi. A Word Processing software >>>> needs >>>>> to be provided on the computer. >>>>> >>>>> 2. The candidate should be allowed to bring their own keyboard >>>>> that >>>>> could be attached to the computer at the examination centre. >>>>> >>>>> 3. The candidate should be able to use their preferred assistive >>>>> technology on the computer provided by the examination centre. If the >>>>> examination centre is not able to provide the assistive technology >>>>> preferred by the candidate, the candidate should be allowed to bring >>>>> his/her own assistive technology. This may be installed by the person >>>>> designated by the examination centre at least one day prior to the >>>> examination. >>>>> >>>>> 4. UPS /invertors for back-up support must be installed and >>>> connected >>>>> at the centre. Enough power back-up needs to be provided for the >>>>> examination centre. >>>>> >>>>> 5. Two printers may be kept for taking the final print-outs of >>>>> the >>>>> answer sheets. Assistance to take print-outs of the answer sheets >>>>> needs to be provided by the examination centre. >>>>> >>>>> 6. The candidates should be allowed to check the computer system >>>>> on >>>> the >>>>> day before the examination so that they can familiarize themselves >>>>> with the computer and assistive technology installed on them. They >>>>> should be allowed to make necessary configurations in the assistive >>>>> softwares and the user interface if they feel that it will increase >>>>> their efficiency. If the candidate is not happy with the functioning >>>>> of the computer, then he/she should be allowed to check another >>>>> computer >>>> system. >>>>> >>>>> 7. If the examination is a skill test only i.e. typing test, then >>>> the >>>>> candidate should be allowed to bring his own computer if he/she is not >>>>> satisfied with the computer available at the examination centre. >>>>> >>>>> 8. The candidates should be allowed to install any specific >>>> technology >>>>> which they possess which they find essential to access the basic word >>>>> reading programme and carry out proofreading. >>>>> >>>>> 9. On the day of the exam, access to the computer is to be given >>>>> at >>>>> least 30 minutes before the start of the examination. >>>>> >>>>> 10. A soft copy of the question paper in an accessible format such as >>>>> HTML/RTF/TXT/DOC/DAISY/ePUB should be provided at the start of the >>>>> examination and copied to the computer being used for examination. The >>>>> soft copy of the question paper cannot be provided in DTP software >>>>> format or in PDF format as these are not compatible with screen >>>>> reading software. If question papers cannot be provided in an >>>>> accessible digital format or in a preferred alternative format such as >>>>> Braille, then the examination centre needs to provide a reader to read >>>> the question paper for the candidate. >>>>> >>>>> 11. If the examination is being administered through a computer >>>>> software then the compatibility of the software with screen reading >>>>> software and usability without mouse must be ensured beforehand. >>>>> >>>>> 12. The candidate should be asked to save his work at regular >>>>> intervals. It will be the responsibility of the candidate to hand over >>>>> his work to the examiner at the end of the stipulated time of the >>>> examination. >>>>> >>>>> 13. In case of power failure, the time of power failure is to be noted >>>>> and the same amount of time augmented in the end time of the paper. >>>>> >>>>> 14. The candidate should be given a choice in the use of keyboard >>>>> layouts for Indian language typing. If the preferred keyboard layout >>>>> is not installed, the candidate should be given the opportunity of >>>>> installing softwares for activating the desired keyboard layout. >>>>> >>>>> 15. Extra time need to be provided to the candidates similar to the >>>>> time provided to the candidates giving examinations with the help of >>>>> writer >>>>> >>>>> 16. At the end of the examination, the work done by the candidate >>>>> should be printed on official stationery. This should be treated like >>>>> any other answer sheet and all necessary information such as >>>>> candidate's roll number, name of the examination & paper; number of >>> pages >>>> used etc. should be marked. >>>>> >>>>> 17. After making sure that the complete answer sheet has been clearly >>>>> printed on paper, the computer files may be deleted. In case of >>>>> practical exams, the computer files may need to be preserved for >>>> evaluation. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 6: Alternative Questions >>>>> >>>>> In case of visual-based questions, all question papers must have >>>>> built-in alternative text based non- visual questions. However, the >>>>> candidate will have the freedom to opt for the visual questions, if >>>>> they so choose. There are already examination bodies such as the CBSE >>>> board following this. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 7: Compensatory Time >>>>> >>>>> Compensatory time of minimum 20 minutes per hour of examination will >>>>> be granted for persons who are making use of a scribe/reader/lab >>>> assistant. >>>>> This will hold true for both theory and practical examinations. All >>>>> the Blind and Low Vision persons not availing the facility of scribe >>>>> will also be allowed the compensatory time of minimum 20 minutes per >>>> hour. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 8: Use of Assistive Devices >>>>> >>>>> 1. The candidates will be allowed to use assistive devices like >>>> talking >>>>> calculators and other assistive electronic/mechanical equipments (in >>>>> cases where calculators/parallel equipments are allowed for giving >>>> exams). >>>>> 2. All Blind and Low Vision candidates will be allowed to use >>>>> educational assistive tools. For e.g., optical and digital magnifiers, >>>>> Taylor frame, Braille slate, Abacus, Braille geometry kit, Braille log >>>>> books, Braille measuring tape etc., which are merely enabling tools. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 9: Practical Examination >>>>> >>>>> 1. For practical examinations the candidate be permitted to use a >>>> lab >>>>> assistant to make observational recordings, wherever required. The >>>>> qualification rule of the lab assistant will be the same as per >>>>> guideline 3 above. >>>>> >>>>> 2. For practicals and experiments, the Blind and Low Vision >>> students >>>> be >>>>> allowed to use material converted, wherever possible, into accessible >>>>> formats such as tactile diagrams, large font and expanded size >>>>> diagrams, Braille, accessible equipments etc. The same will be worked >>>>> on and be made available by the examination authorities who may >>>>> consult experts in the field of visual impairment. >>>>> >>>>> 3. Blind and Low Vision candidates will be allowed to feel >>>>> objects >>>> and >>>>> any other practical apparatus for identification and any other purpose >>>>> of the examination. >>>>> >>>>> 4. If any experiment contains visual content to a large extent, >>>>> the >>>>> student will be examined on that experiment or that aspect of the >>>>> experiment through a viva. The competent authority, after consultation >>>>> with appropriate agencies on visual impairment, will specify the >>>>> experiments in the syllabus which involve visual content to a large >>>>> extent for the information of the Blind and Low Vision student and the >>>>> examiners. The said information will be specified in the syllabus >>>>> published and practical manuals published at the beginning of the year >>>> itself. >>>>> >>>>> 5. Practicals on computer programs need to be made accessible >>>>> with >>> a >>>>> screen reader/magnifier/refreshable Braille and suitable assistive >>>>> technology program. >>>>> >>>>> 6. Blind and Low Vision students should be allowed to use Braille >>> or >>>> a >>>>> word processor program to type his/her journals and then print-outs >>>>> can be either filed as a journal or they can be pasted in a regular >>>>> journal. In the absence of a computer facility, the student will be >>>>> allowed the use of an assistant to write the journal. No criteria will >>>>> apply to who the assistant will be as this is out of class work. >>>>> >>>>> 7. Blind and Low Vision students will be exempted from drawing >>>> diagrams >>>>> in the journal. For Low Vision students who are comfortable drawing >>>>> diagrams, they may be permitted to do so. For students not drawing >>>>> diagrams, in place of the diagram, a description of the same will be >>>>> written. If the student wishes, he/she may attach any tactile diagrams >>>>> used by him/her to study. For the purpose of evaluation, the marks for >>>>> diagrams will be compensated by the written explanations. >>>>> >>>>> 8. As far as possible, the examination authority to conduct >>>> accessible >>>>> practicals as per the method listed in points 9.1 to 9.7. In >>>>> situations where accessible practicals cannot be conducted, the said >>>>> examination to be replaced by a viva or multiple-choice questions or >>>>> any other method found suitable by the examination authority. >>>>> >>>>> Guideline 10: Administrative requirements >>>>> >>>>> 1. Proper seating arrangement to be made prior to the >>>>> commencement >>>> of >>>>> the examination to avoid confusion or distraction on the day of the >>> exam. >>>>> For candidates using scribes, adequate spacing between candidates >>>>> should be provided. >>>>> >>>>> 2. Proper lighting needs to be ensured for Low Vision candidates >>>>> including permission to bring their own lighting, in which case, >>>>> suitable power connection needs to be provided. >>>>> >>>>> 3. The time of giving the question papers should be marked >>>> accurately >>>>> and timely supply of supplementary papers should be ensured. >>>>> >>>>> 4. The examination authority to organize for appropriate power >>>>> back-up >>>> for >>>>> all assistive devices at the examination taking time. >>>>> 5. The question papers and answer papers will have rules related >>>>> to >>>>> extra time, exemption of visual questions and use of scribe printed on >>>> them. >>>>> The answer paper will have a marking spot that specifies candidate >>>>> with visual impairment. This is to avoid any confusion for the >>>>> supervisor and evaluator in appropriately checking and marking. >>>>> >>>>> 6. Scribes/readers/lab assistants will be eligible for fees to be >>>>> provided by the examination authority as per the rates of the >>>> invigilators. >>>>> In addition, the scribes/readers/lab assistants will also be paid a >>>>> TA, as decided by the examination authorities or Rs. 100, whichever is >>>>> higher. The said fees have to be disbursed on the same day as the >>>>> examination. This fee amount is a per-paper fee. >>>>> >>>>> 7. Each examination authority to designate the necessary points >>>>> of >>>>> contacts at the central authority level as also at the examination >>>>> centre levels. These designated authorities to be responsible for >>>>> processing requests of the Blind and Low Vision students and >>>>> addressing concerns/grievances, providing services and ensuring >>>>> appropriate implementation of these rules. The contact information of >>>>> the said officers needs to be published in all application/admission >>>>> forms, advertisements, brochures, website, directories and any other >>>> suitable places. >>>>> >>>>> In case of refusal/denial of any service or accommodation, the said >>>>> designated authority, both at the central as well as the examination >>>>> centre level, is mandated to provide a written reply to the candidate >>>>> for the refusal of the same. >>>>> >>>>> 8. The said guidelines will be reviewed on a 5-yearly basis to >>>>> keep >>>> up >>>>> with new technologies and services available in the field as also >>>>> advances in the educational systems. The review will be conducted by >>>>> the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in consultation with >>>>> all relevant stakeholders. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Kanchan Pamnani >>>>> Advocate & Solicitor >>>>> 9, Suleman Chambers, >>>>> Battery Street, Colaba, >>>>> Mumbai - 400 039. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ________________________________ >>>>> Caution: The Reserve Bank of India never sends mails, SMSs or makes >>>>> calls asking for personal information such as your bank account >>>>> details, passwords, etc. It never keeps or offers funds to anyone. >>>>> Please do not respond in any manner to such offers, however official >>>>> or attractive they may look. >>>>> >>>>> Notice: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential >>>>> and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom >>>>> they are addressed. 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The Reserve Bank of India accepts no liability for any damage >>>> caused by any virus transmitted by this email. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing >>>>> accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_acc >>>>> essindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>>> >>>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>>> >>>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>>> please visit the list home page at >>>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org >>>>> .in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Disclaimer: >>>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>>> of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>>> veracity; >>>>> >>>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>>>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing >>>>> accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_acc >>>>> essindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>>> >>>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>>> >>>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>>> please visit the list home page at >>>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org >>>>> .in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Disclaimer: >>>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>>> of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>>> veracity; >>>>> >>>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>>>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>> >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessin >>>> dia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Search for old postings at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> >>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>> [email protected] >>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>> >>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>> please visit the list home page at >>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Disclaimer: >>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>> of >>>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>> veracity; >>>> >>>> 2. 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If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, >>>> use, >>>> review, distribution, printing or copying of the information contained >>>> in >>>> this e-mail message and/or attachments to it are strictly prohibited. >>>> If >>>> you have received this email by error, please notify us by return >>>> e-mail >>>> or telephone and immediately and permanently delete the message and any >>>> attachments. The recipient should check this email and any attachments >>> for >>>> the presence of viruses. The Reserve Bank of India accepts no >>>> liability >>>> for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>> >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessin >>>> dia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Search for old postings at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> >>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>> [email protected] >>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>> >>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>> please visit the list home page at >>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Disclaimer: >>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>> of >>>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>> veracity; >>>> >>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails >>>> sent through this mailing list.. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>> >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessin >>> dia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Search for old postings at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> >>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>> [email protected] >>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>> >>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>> please visit the list home page at >>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Disclaimer: >>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>> of >>>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>> veracity; >>>> >>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails >>>> sent through this mailing list.. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessin >>> dia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> >>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>> [email protected] >>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>> >>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>> please visit the list home page at >>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Disclaimer: >>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>> veracity; >>> >>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails >>> sent through this mailing list.. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> >>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>> [email protected] >>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>> >>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>> please >>> visit the list home page at >>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Disclaimer: >>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the >>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >>> >>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails >>> sent through this mailing list.. >>> >> >> >> -- >> Mohib Anwar Rafay >> >> Phone: +919 555 555 765 >> > > > -- > Mohib Anwar Rafay > > Phone: +919 555 555 765 > -- Mohib Anwar Rafay Phone: +919 555 555 765 Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
