# SERVICES

Students use a reader and/or scribe to enable them to provide the professor with a true reflection of their knowledge of the course content. The reader and/or scribe also proctors the test and monitors the time.

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| Type | PDF |
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[Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/Reader-Scribe-Guidelines.pdf)

Referenced from: [Faculty Resources for Supporting Students with Disabilities](/pages/accessibility/faculty-resources/)

## Document text

Northern ACCESSIBILITY

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## SERVICES

## Guidelines for Readers and Scribes

## Who uses a Reader and/or Scribe?

Students use a reader and/or scribe to enable them to provide the professor with a true reflection of their knowledge of the course content.  The reader and/or scribe also proctors the test and monitors the time.

## What is a Reader?

A reader will read the test/exam word for word while the student listens. The reader acts as the eyes for the student.

## The Reading Process

- Read the complete text to the student word for word, without adding or deleting from the text.
- Read slowly and clearly.
- Words and phrases emphasized in bold, capitals, italics, or negatives should be emphasized by voice inflection.
- Other than the point above, read with an even inflection throughout the test so that the student does not receive any clues or hints.
- It is important to read the question completely even if the student starts to respond.
- A second copy of the test will need to be made - one for the reader and one for the student. Both will go back in the envelope.

## What is a Scribe?

A scribe transcribes the words, exactly as the student has dictated, onto paper or a computer.  The scribe is acting as the student's 'hands'.

## The Scribing Process

- Record the student's words exactly as they are dictated.
- The answers must be clear and legible.
- A scribe may ask the student, if unsure how to spell a term or word.
- For longer written sections do a draft copy and make revisions.
- Do not rephrase any answers the student has given.
- The student must read and approve the final copy; do not transfer your rough copy to final copy after the student has left. (Text continues on next page.)
- For lengthy sections you can use a computer to word process the student's dictation.
- Under no circumstances is a scribe to rewrite a student's answers.
- It is not the responsibility of the scribe to:
- o Correct grammar and/or spelling errors
- o Suggest material to be included in the student's answer
- o Indicate by any word or action that they think the student has made a mistake (please be careful of facial expressions and body language))
- o Answer questions about the test material
- o Interpret the meaning of the test questions (unless the student is provided clarification as an accommodation).

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<small>Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/Reader-Scribe-Guidelines.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/Reader-Scribe-Guidelines.pdf)</small>