The short answer is yes. The details are as follows.

The Mac version of LockDown Browser works with VoiceOver (the standard screen reader that comes with the Mac OS). LockDown Browser's functions and security remain the same when VoiceOver is used.

The Windows version of LockDown Browser (version 1.0.5.17 and newer) allows a student to use screen reader accessibility programs, such as JAWS and Windows-Eyes. However, the security level of LockDown Browser is lowered when screen readers are used. To address this, the instructor must enable a setting that permits specific students to use a screen reader application with LockDown Browser.

Setting an exam to allow the use of a Windows screen reader with LockDown Browser

An instructor should follow these steps to allow a student to use a Windows-based screen reader with LockDown Browser:

  • Login to the online course using an instructor account.
  • Select the Respondus LockDown Browser tool (dashboard) and select "Modify Settings" for the exam.
  • Select "Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam".
  • Expand "[+] Advanced Settings" and select "Allow specific students to access this exam with screen readers (e.g. JAWS, Window-Eyes) ".
  • Enter the usernames of the students allowed to use the accessible version of LockDown Browser.
  • Save the settings.

 Note: LockDown Browser's support of Windows-based screen readers is currently only available for Blackboard Learn, Desire2Learn, and Moodle users.

Using a Windows screen reader with LockDown Browser
(This information will need to be forwarded to your specific students requiring it as it is not posted for general student knowledge)

A student should follow these steps to use a Windows screen reader with LockDown Browser:

  • Download and install the latest LockDown Browser application for Windows.
  • Right click on the "LockDown Browser" desktop shortcut in Windows and select "Properties".
  • Under the "Shortcut" tab, locate the "Target:" field
  • At the end of the target address, append " /a" (note the space in front of the slash)
    For example - "C:\Program Files (x86)\Respondus LockDown Browser\LockDown.exe" " /a"
  • Click the Apply button to close the Properties dialog.
  • Start LockDown Browser from the Windows desktop shortcut.

The command line flag ( /a) tells LockDown Browser to start in accessibility mode. However, a student will only be able to start an exam if their instructor has entered the student's username in the settings for LockDown Browser.

For a detailed discussion of this topic, please see http://www.respondus.com/products/accessibility-lockdown.shtml