Written Exam portion and Learning Disabilities

[Pinkrlion 2,719]

I searched for this and I cannot find any information.  My co-worker overheard my conversation with someone else about the the N-400 process and started asking me questions.  I gave her this website, but she still asked me today, so I am putting it out there based on what she told me. 

 

My co-worker's husband cannot pass the written portion of the citizenship exam and he has applied twice (a total of 4 times he has taken the written portion).  She stated that he has a learning disability and struggles with the writing part.  He can read (limited), understand English and has passed the citizenship quiz (she said he studied very hard).  When I asked her about how he writes anything, she said either she writes it or he using a dictation app or word program to write things (basically a talk to text program).  She stated that he can spell, and can copy what he sees, but if you ask him to write something from verbal to paper, he only gets part of what you said (including 4-5 word sentences).  

 

She said the only thing she could find was about if a doctor writes a letter, is there anything else?  I am not sure he has been formally tested with dyslexia or anything.  If the doctor writing the statement is her only option, how would/what would they state in the letter?  She mentioned accommodations???  How can he receive any accommodations for the writing portion?

 

Thanks,

[bsp 32]

He may be able to request an accommodation for his disability:

 

https://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume12-PartC-Chapter3.html

 

I believe USCIS considers requests on a case-by-case basis, but it certainly sounds like he has a legitimate disability so I imagine they'd be willing to make some kind of allowance for him.

[Ontarkie 14,221]

I fell your coworkers pain. I also have a disability and my older daughter does as well. With out my computer fixing 90% of my errors (it misses alot of them) I would never type anything because it would never make sense. 

If he is having such a hard time with the writing portion then he needs to get a formal diagnosis.  That was the easiest part for me (they don't hold spelling against you) It was really just a few words to write. 

 

He's most likely going to need a formal diagnosis. Then with the actual diagnosis he can then ask for accommodations. They likely will not accommodate anything without an actual diagnosis. I also doubt his doctor would be willing to write a letter for something he doesn't have proof of.