Accessibility Tool Descriptions
Read Aloud
NimbleTools links pre-recorded human voice recordings to test items presented to students. Students benefit by listening to a fully approved, standardized human voice, assuring correct pronunciation of words, symbols, and equations. NimbleTools empowers students to decide when they want to hear the text read to them, and allows them to play sound clips repeatedly. All buttons and directions have human-read sound clips associated with them. The Low-Vision version describes graphics and diagrams (Grade 11 only).
> Screenshot
> Standard Read Aloud Orientation
Auditory Calming (Background Music)
For students who focus better when receiving auditory input, music or sounds can be provided during testing. These sounds are embedded into the system, so no extra hardware is needed, and there are no concerns about monitoring the content. The player is simple to use, without distracting visuals of many commercial computer MP3 players.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Magnifier
The Magnifier Tool allows students to enlarge the entire test interface. Students have control over when and where they use this tool. The tool options are shown in enlarged, high contrast text. This should only be assigned to students who need the entire test enlarged throughout the test, as it can be disorienting for students who are not used to working this way.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Magnifying Glass
Enlarge any part of the test by using the Magnifying Glass Tool. This tool is intended to be used occasionally by some students who may have difficulty seeing/reading very small details. It is included by default for all students using NimbleTools.
> Screenshot
Color Overlay
Students can choose from a variety of color tints which are placed over the questions and directions of the test. Many students find their reading accuracy and speed increases with the use of color overlays.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Reverse Contrast
Students can choose to reverse the colors for the entire test interface. You also have the option of adding a color tint to the question text using the Color Overlay Tool (see above) which is automatically included when you choose Reverse Contrast.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Color Chooser
Students can change the font and background colors for the test questions and direction. Students pick the font and background color combinations from a palette of colors proven to help students. This differs from Color Overlay in that only the text and background colors change. Lines and graphics are not affected by the color changes.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Custom & Answer Masking
A common technique for focusing a student's attention on a specific part of a test item is provided by the Masking Tools. Two masking tools are currently available: Answer Masking and Custom Masking. Answer Masking hides the answers until students have an opportunity to solve the problem and then allows students to reveal answer choices individually or all at once. Custom Masking allows students to create and place 'sheets' on top of any part of the test question, masking those parts of the question they don't want to focus on. Both Masking options increase students' focus on the test question by temporarily hiding all other test elements. Masking can be turned on and off at the student's discretion.
> Screenshot
> Orientation
Test Accommodations
Allow Secure and Supervised Breaks
Students are allowed to log out of a test session, take a break, then continue with the same session by logging back in. Answers will be saved and restored when they return. This should only be assigned to students who specifically require breaks, as their test session will require more careful supervision (to ensure test security).
Extended Time
All students participating will be allowed extended time when taking the tests.
Please send your comments to uaa@nimbletools.com