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Braille tests administered in TDS require multiple assistive technology devices and applications, including the refreshable braille displays (RBDs) and JAWS screen readers which allow students to read and navigate assessment content.

RBDs are used to read text-only content on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) tests, while braille embossers are needed to read any content with images on reading language arts (RLA) and social sciences tests, as well as advanced content on mathematics and science tests. RBDs must be properly set up before students can use them. For information about installing and setting up RBDs, refer to the product’s provided instructions and manuals.

Note: Alt text for the images in questions and stimuli is consistently available only when the test presentation is set to Braille.

The table below provides a list of supported screen reader software that students can use in TDS. Please note that only JAWS may be used on RLA tests, as this is the only supported screen reader that can effectively mute reading passages. Screen readers other than JAWS must not be used on RLA tests, as they would allow students to listen to passages instead of reading them, compromising the ability to assess their reading comprehension skills.      

Screen Readers Supported for Student Computers

Screen Reader

System Requirements

Additional Details

JAWS–Student

Supported Versions: 2021, 2022, 2023

  • Operating Systems: Windows 8.1, 10, 11

    • Minimum Requirements: GHz Processor, RAM

  • Requires additional setup before use in TDS (refer to the Installation and Configuration Guide for instructions).

  • Test Presentation setting must be set to braille, regardless of the student’s braille user status.

Fusion

  • Supported Versions: 2021, 2022, 2023

  • Operating Systems: Windows 8, 8.1, 10

    • Minimum Requirements: 2.0 GHz i3 dual core processor, 4 GB RAM

  • Requires additional setup before use in TDS (refer to the Configuration instructions for JAWS).

  • Test Presentation setting must be set to braille, regardless of the student’s braille user status.

Windows Narrator

  • Supported Version: Windows 10

Windows 10

  • Students cannot use Windows Narrator for RLA tests, as the read-aloud of passages cannot be suppressed in this product.

NVDA

  • Supported Versions: 2020–2022

Windows 8.1, 10, 11, and all server operating systems starting from Windows Server 2012 R2

  • Students cannot use NVDA for RLA tests, as the read-aloud of passages cannot be suppressed in this product.

The table below provides a list of supported refreshable RBDs that students can use to read braille content. Please note that if students wish to use RBDs not mentioned in this table, they should test them on a practice assessment to ensure that there are no issues before using them on an operational test. Additionally, RBDs not listed here may include unwanted features that students should not use while testing, so students may need to be monitored if they use such RBDs.

Refreshable Braille Displays Supported for Student Computers

Refreshable Braille Displays

System Requirements

Additional Details

Brailliant 40 Cell

  • Windows 8.1, 10, 11

  • CAI recommends RBDs with at least 40 cells, but students may use displays with fewer cells if preferred.

  • Students should not use the HumanWare Brailliant BI 14 RBD. It can automatically synchronize notes typed internally with a mail application, potentially violating test security.

QBraille XL

  • Windows 8.1, 10, 11

  • Students using the QBraille XL in TDS must be monitored to ensure that they are not accessing unwanted internal applications, such as the Calculator and Notepad.

Active Braille

  • Windows 8.1, 10, 11

  • The device is equipped with an Secure Digital (SD) card that should be taken out before the student takes a test.

  • The device has Notepad, Scheduler, Alarm, Calculator, and Clock features that cannot be disabled. Students must be monitored to ensure that they are not using them

Focus 40 Blue 5th Generation

  • Windows 8.1, 10, 11

  • The device is equipped with an SD card that should be taken out before the student takes a test.

  • The device has Scratchpad with BRF Bookreader, Calendar, and Clock features that cannot be disabled. Students must be monitored to ensure that they are not using them.

BrailleNote Touch 32 Plus

  • Windows 8.1, 10, 11

  • Students using this product in TDS must be monitored to ensure that they are not accessing prohibited features. Students can use this device only in Braille Terminal Mode. They cannot take tests on the tablet of this device.

  • The device is equipped with an SD card that should be taken out before the student takes a test.

  • Other applications present include Word Processor, Email, Internet, Contacts, Planner, File Manager, Calculator, Victor-Reader, Play Store, and KNFB Reader

 

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