#nbeo

According to the American's with Disabilities Act guidelines on test taking accommodations, "A person with a history of academic success may still be a person with a disability who is entitled to testing accommodations under the ADA". Thus, academic history must not be taken into account when looking at evidence for a disability. Requesting these scores is exceptionally ableist. It notably is also NOT an acceptable form of documentation to prove a disability. Non disabled test takers don't have to submit their OAT scores to prove they qualify for the Boards. Why should I? 

I decided to submit my documentation without OAT scores. I received back the following email from an NBEO rep, who I shall call M. 

Concerned, I decided that I wanted to know why and how the scores were used. 

Yesterday, I received a response that essentially summed up to the good old "if all your friends jump off a bridge, would you?" Just because they are requesting this of everyone does not make it okay. They, notably, did *not* answer me on what the scores were used for. 

I decided to ask *yet again* for clarification on how and why these scores were used.

Today, I received an email saying they were looking at my request. This is the second time that they have not answered me on what the scores are used for. This is shady behaviour that makes me believe they are used to deny people their legal right to accommodations. 

I have replied yet again asking what the scores are used for. As of now, there is no reply. 

I have given the NBEO every opportunity to explain what the scores are used for, other than denying people. I don't want people to be denied their right. If you have sufficient documentation of your disability and the NBEO has denied you without telling you why, I would consider filing a complaint with the ADA. And to those applying for this cycle, don't give them your scores. This is disgusting behaviour. 

Link to ADA sources: https://www.ada.gov/resources/testing-accommodations/ Link to file a complaint: https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/