Reasonable Accommodations for State Exams

Reasonable accommodations in State Exams

Junior and Leaving Certificate candidates with special education needs which they believe will significantly impair their performance may be granted what is known as “reasonable accommodations” at the exams. The purpose of this is to remove as far as possible the impact of the disability on their performance and allow them to show their level of attainment while not giving them an unfair advantage over other candidates.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATIONS

There is a variety of “reasonable accommodations” available depending on the circumstances. Examples of “reasonable accommodations which may be considered for candidates with ADHD and other conditions may include use of a word processor in extended writing exams eg English, separate exams centre, arrangements to have question papers read to the candidate. The full range is set out in the State Examinations Commission website www.examinations.ie .

HOW TO APPLY

The student’s school must make the application to the State Examinations Commission and it is advised the procedure should be started with the school about a year before the exam.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is important to note that, in some cases and particularly where an exemption from part of an exam is granted, an explanatory note is made on the candidate’s results certificate.

REVIEW OF SYSTEM

The system of reasonable accommodations is under review by an advisory group set up by the State Exams Commission. HADD has contributed to this review both in a written submission and by participation in a consultative forum.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS at third level

A supplementary admissions route may also be available via the CAO process to allow students access a number of courses at certain third level colleges if their disability affects the number of CAO points that can be achieved by the student. The procedure is outlined on the CAO website www.cao.ie and includes a requirement to state on the CAO form that the student has a disability or specific learning difficulty. Even if the supplementary admissions route is not needed or granted where students have special education needs this process also opens up a range a very significant special educational services at many third level colleges. For details contact the disability services at the colleges.