Maryland Learners Permit Written Test Untimed and Reader?

[Anonymous]

We have a profoundly dyslexic child who goes to a SN school in the area. Is there a way to take the Maryland Learner's permit written test untimed and have a reader read the questions to my DC? I've looked all over the MDOT website and I see where you can take the test in multiple languages and an interpreter for the deaf. https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/translation-providers.aspx However, I don't see any other place on the MDOT/MVA to have other special accommodations. We have a documented dissability (thru a neuropsych and Dr) and have gotten approval to take PSAT/SAT with accommodations, so there is def a "diagnosed need".

DC is unsure she will be able to complete the 25Q test in the alotted time and would like a reader just in case.

We are new to this, so pls be kind.

[Anonymous]

I would ask around at school.

Since people do need to be able to read signs while driving, untimed may be hard to obtain. Would double time work?

[Anonymous]

If your kid can’t read they can’t drive. Maybe they would benefit from more practice and time.

[Anonymous]

Here is the info you need:

https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/ocrfp.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%8BLogin%20or%20create%20your,the%20person's%20screen%20reader%20program.

Yes, both timing and read aloud accommodations are allowed.

[Anonymous]

I would have her try it without, being dependent on a screen reader is not good for the self confidence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid can’t read they can’t drive. Maybe they would benefit from more practice and time.

Where does it say the kid can’t read? In fact, it’s clear from OP that she can, she just may not get to the end of a timed test.

Also show me in the Maryland code where it says you have to be able to read to get a driver’s license.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have her try it without, being dependent on a screen reader is not good for the self confidence.

Failing the timed test because you have dyslexia is also not good for self confidence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have her try it without, being dependent on a screen reader is not good for the self confidence.

Being raised to be ashamed of, and hide, your disability is not good for self confidence.

Using tools that you are entitled to and that can help you succeed is not an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid can’t read they can’t drive. Maybe they would benefit from more practice and time.

That's nuts. Being able to read "stop" on a stop sign is nothing like being able to read complicated questions and multiple choice answers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have her try it without, being dependent on a screen reader is not good for the self confidence.

Would you tell a nearsighted person that being dependent on glasses isn't good for self confidence? What's the difference?

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm sorry you're getting so many ableist comments. This webpage has contact information to ask about accommodations: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx

[Anonymous]

Go in and ask. We just did my child's and it wasn't any big deal and they were done in a few minutes. Have her take drivers ed first and do lots of practice tests online that are free via I forget, maybe the MVA. Also, on youtube there are maryland permit tests videos that are helpful to watch. Worst case she fails it and takes it again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your kid can’t read they can’t drive. Maybe they would benefit from more practice and time.

That's nuts. Being able to read "stop" on a stop sign is nothing like being able to read complicated questions and multiple choice answers.

Plus there are reasons signs have distinct colors, shapes and symbols. PRECISELY for this reason (accessibility in action!).

Only 80% of adults in the US are proficient readers in English. 90% have drivers licenses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm sorry you're getting so many ableist comments. This webpage has contact information to ask about accommodations: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx

Just want to support that your kid should absolutely be accommodated - both under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. You should just have to show something like; 1) diagnosis and 2) adverse impact of disability and 3) need for an accommodation.

On the basis of the documentation that you have, it should be pretty easy. Highlight in the neuropsychological where extra time and reader are suggested, along with the diagnosis. Your determination of similar accommodations from SAT or ACT might also be helpful. Or, if you have an IEP that shows accommodations. No governmental institution taking money from the feds should really be second-guessing the disability determination of another government institution or major corporation (like SAT/ACT).

Sometimes, people don't know disability law, so if you encounter a low level staffer who says there are no accommodations, please ask (kindly) to talk to a supervisor. Just keep saying, "I know this is an unusual situation, but I'm 100% sure that under the Americans with Disability Act, DD is eligible for accommodations.

Keep in mind that they have to offer you something that reasonably meets the need. So, for example, if you ask for a live reader and they offer you some kind of recorded taping, you would probably have to accept either.

MVA has an Office of Civil Rights with more info about disability accommodation for drivers license - https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/ocrfp.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%8BLogin%20or%20create%20your,the%20person's%20screen%20reader%20program. Click on ADA Reasonable Accommodation and a window will pop up that explains how to ask for these in your myMVA account. Reader and extended time are explicitly mentioned. But, again, for people with different disabilities, just because an accommodation isn't mentioned doesn't mean it can't be made.

For people with disabilities that may need more assistance, DORS Maryland offers support in practicing for the drivers license and adaptive driving. https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/WTC/RTS/Pages/driving.aspx

For those of you who are just "have her try and if she fails, then get the accommodation," I recognize that you are maybe trying to say one doesn't need to go to the trouble of accommodations and you might think that comes from a good place, please consider that kids with disabilities have a right to attempt these things the first time with the accommodations they need. Imagine if you had to do everything in life once, fail at it and only then be given conditions under which you could perform? I work with kids who need accommodations, and the amount of anxiety that creates, even in the brightest kids who might actually be able to succeed in some instances -- it's insane.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thank you all. We’ve contacted the mva for help. We said we needed extended time and a reader. Mva came back and offered a sign language interpreter. Sigh…. Clarification email going out asap.