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Accommodations and Assistive Technology

All Bluebook™ exams are configured to work for students who test with accommodations and/or assistive technology (AT). If you use AT, you should open Bluebook on the device you'll test with and try a test preview or full-length practice test to see how everything will work on test day. 

Digital Exam Accommodations

Some accommodations are administered differently on digital exams than on paper-and-pencil exams. For example, if you’re approved to use a human reader on paper-and-pencil exams, you may instead use a screen reader for digital exams. Also, some accommodations may not be needed for a digital exam. For example, if you’re approved for large print, you can just use the zoom feature.  

Learn more about accommodations for Digital AP Exams and accommodations for the SAT Suite of Assessments.

If you have questions about your approved accommodations, your Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator can look up your accommodations in SSD Online or contact the College Board SSD Office.

Screen Readers and Text-to-Speech 

Screen readers and text-to-speech (TTS) are speech synthesis applications. The Bluebook application has a built-in TTS tool for students with a College Board-approved reading accommodation. If you have this accommodation, you will have access to the TTS tool. 

Embedded Text-to-Speech (TTS) tool

Explore Bluebook’s built-in TTS features, including tips and reminders

However, if you prefer, you may instead choose to use an external application or your device's embedded screen reader or TTS tool (usually accessed in the system accessibility settings).
College Board has tested and currently supports the leading screen readers and TTS applications, including: 

  • Screen Readers:
    • NVDA
    • JAWS
    • Apple VoiceOver
    • Chromebook ChromeVox
    • Windows Narrator
  • Text-to-Speech (TTS):
    • Bluebook TTS (embedded)
    • Chromebook Select-to-Speak
    • Windows Narrator   
    • MacOS Spoken Content
    • iOS Spoken Content 

Other screen readers might work with the Bluebook application. Depending on the software and its version, some functions may work differently or not at all. If your software is not listed above, try a digital practice test on Bluebook to ensure your AT will work on test day. 

How do I know if a student needs text-to-speech (embedded) or screen reader (non-embedded)?

Configuring and Using Assistive Technology 

Any approved AT you use online should work during the digital exam. If you use AT, such as a screen reader (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or ChromeVox), magnification software (e.g., ZoomText Fusion), or dictation software (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking), to interact with a standard web browser, the same commands can be used to navigate through content in the digital exam. Note, however, that web-based ATs and browser extensions (e.g., add-ons, plug-ins, etc.) are not supported for use with the Bluebook application.

Before exam day:

  • Configure your AT settings (verbosity, punctuation, etc.).
  • Complete a test preview or practice test in Bluebook to confirm functionality.
  • Ensure your settings are saved before check-in begins on test day.

Speech-to-Text 

Voice recognition, speech recognition, or speech-to-text (STT) technology transcribes your spoken words into text item responses in the digital exam. If approved for this technology or for a writer/scribe, you may use STT technology for digital exams. 

College Board has tested and currently supports the leading STT/dictation applications, including: 

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking (with custom commands)
  • Apple Voice Control
  • Chromebook Dictation
  • Windows Voice Recognition/Dictation 

Other STT or dictation software might work with the Bluebook application. Depending on the software and its version, some functions may work differently or not at all. If your software is not listed above, try a digital practice test in Bluebook to ensure your AT will work on test day. 

Refreshable Braille Displays  

Students who use refreshable braille displays (RBDs) can access text-based content in the digital exams. Alternative test is provided for all graphics. RBDs must be properly set up before they can be used. For information about installing and setting up RBDs, refer to the product's instructions and manuals.  

Refreshable braille is not recommended for AP exams that include graphics. If you need braille with tactile graphics for a digital AP exam, you should talk to your AP coordinator and SSD coordinator as soon as possible.  

Platform-Specific Guides

Explore detailed guidance for setting up and using accommodations and assistive technology by platform or tool:

Accessing Bluebook Features and Content

Guidance on navigating Bluebook, accessing toolbars, answering items, and using keyboard shortcuts with AT

Chromebook

Instructions for ChromeVox, Select-to-Speak, and Dictation, plus configuration tips for Chromebook accessibility settings

Windows

Instructions for Narrator, Speech Recognition/Voice Access, Magnifier, and Color Filters

MacOS and iPad

Instructions for VoiceOver, Spoken Content, Voice Control, Zoom, and Color Filters

JAWS

Instructions for using JAWS with Bluebook exams, including recommended settings and navigation tips

NVDA

Instructions for using NVDA with Bluebook exams, including recommended settings and navigation tips

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Instructions for using Dragon, including supported commands and setup notes

MathJax

Overview of how MathJax displays math content and integrates with screen readers and refreshable braille displays

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