Computer based testing: implications for testing handicapped/disabled examinees

The purpose of this study was to obtain information about computer use by nurses with a learning disability or other handicap, to identify the difficulties encountered by these nurses, and to distinguish the adaptive behaviors used to compensate for these difficulties. In addition, information was desired regarding learning disabled/handicapped nurses' perceptions about problems related to computer-administered examinations. Sixty-three percent of 86 respondents indicated using computers at work and/or at home. Difficulty in reading screen text was reported by 21% of the computer users; 34% reported problems with keyboard use. Adaptive mechanisms included using slotted paper, decreasing text scrolling rates, working slowly, and re-reading text for accuracy. When compared to administration variances granted for paper-and-pencil examinations, relatively few additional modifications will be needed for administering computer-based tests.