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Using Permissive Mode with Assistive Technology
Permissive Mode is a TDS accommodation that allows students to use non-embedded assistive technology to complete tests in the secure browser application. It must be turned on for any students testing with third-party assistive technology tools. When Permissive Mode is turned on, the secure browser’s security settings will be partially lowered to allow students to use tools that would otherwise be blocked. This accommodation should be assigned to students in TIDE before they begin testing. For more information, refer to the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) User Guide.
Permissive Mode is available for computers running supported desktop Windows and Mac operating systems only. Permissive Mode on Mac devices is supported only with secure browser versions 16. When using Windows devices, the task bar remains on-screen throughout the test after enabling accessibility software. However, forbidden applications are still prohibited.
When Permissive Mode is turned on, standard keyboard commands in the secure browser application will be disabled in order to accommodate any potential keyboard commands associated with the assistive technology the student may be using. For information about standard keyboard commands in the secure browser application, refer to the Test Delivery System (TDS) User Guide.
Note: Some of the tools covered in this document may include prohibited features that students can access, even when Permissive Mode is enabled. For such tools, it is recommended that test administrators monitor students while testing to ensure they do not use any prohibited features.
How to Use Assistive Technology with Permissive Mode in Windows
Students can follow the instructions to use assistive technology alongside the secure browser with all supported Windows operating systems.
Open the required accessibility software on the student’s testing device.
Open the secure browser application. Begin the normal sign-in process up to the proctor approval step.
When a student is approved for testing, the secure browser application allows the operating system’s menu and task bar to appear.
The secure browser application resizes, and the taskbar remains visible inside the test in its usual position. Students can press Alt + Tab to switch between the secure browser application and permitted accessibility applications.
The student must immediately switch to the accessibility software that is already open on the computer so that it appears over the secure browser application. The student cannot click within the secure browser application until the accessibility software is configured.
Click the accessibility software application in the task bar.
The student configures the accessibility software settings as needed.
If the student needs to test with multiple accessibility application simultaneously, they should configure all of them during this step.
After configuring the all the necessary accessibility software settings, the student returns to the secure browser application and continues the sign-in process. At this point, the student can no longer switch back to the accessibility software. If changes need to be made, the student must sign out and then sign in again.
Once Permissive Mode is turned off, the secure browser application reoccupies the whole screen, and the student’s ability to use assistive technologies or switch between any other applications and the secure browser application is suppressed.
How to Use Assistive Technology with Permissive Mode on macOS 13.3
The Secure Browser 16.0 for macOS 13.3 requires students to launch approved software after logging in to the test.
Open the required accessibility software on the student’s testing device and configure the accessibility software as needed.
Open the Secure Browser and follow the standard sign-in process.
On the first page of the test, select Applications in the global menu. From the Application Launcher window that pops up, select the appropriate assistive technology software and click OK.
Return to the Secure Browser and continue testing.
Note: Students should not close the assistive technology application while the Secure Browser is still open, as they may not be able to relaunch it. If the student accidentally closes the assistive technology application, they must sign out then sign back in.