Thank you for posting this Richard, to remind us how discriminatory
practices still are.

I find it difficult to believe that some of these could not be challenged,
for example:
"2.2.6 A reader will not be allowed in subjects testing reading, such as
English Irish (or Gaelige), Welsh, English Literature, Modern Foreign
Language reading papers and some Classical specifications requiring the
candidate to read in Greek or Latin."

So if you need a reader you cannot demonstrate your knowledge and
understanding of a language.

So, a totally blind candidate would be told he/she had to read print? Hum!

ATB

Claire
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Mike Higgins
Sent: 26 October 2004 20:32
To:
Subject: Fw: JCQ and exam boards operating disability discrimination.


----- Original Message -----
From: "r rieser" <>



The Council for Qualifications Access Arrangements and Special
Consideration

Regulations and Guidance Relating to

Candidates who are Eligible for Adjustments in Examinations

1 September 2004 - 31 August 2005

GCE, VCE, GCSE, GNVQ, Entry Level & Key Skills



I have received several complaints about the way the JCQ is implementing
making reasonable adjustments. The way this is being interpreted and
written about in guidance is changing practice that was allowed under
the previous regulations-JCGQ Regulations and Guidance Relating to
Candidates with Particular Requirements.





As the state in the introduction

"The changes to the Regulations and Guidance seek to enhance access for
people with disabilities and other difficulties to the qualifications
without compromising the assessment of skills, knowledge, understanding
or competence being measured."



This narrow interpretation is already preventing GCSE students with
impairments being enter for examinations. "They can do the course but
not enter the examination"  is what the exam boards are saying. The
rules for this year have been set and there can be no exceptions.
Statements such as this seem to go against the DDA which says
adjustments should be made where students are at a substantial
disadvantage and the adjustment must be material to their particular
circumstances. I know that the JCQ do not believe their exams are
covered by the amendments for trade and professional qualifications, but
the then say they will operate the DDA. They are operating it and
interpreting it in such a rigid way

that many more disabled students are being disadvantaged than
previously.





"1.1Access Arrangements are intended to

increase access to assessments but cannot be granted where they will
directly

affect performance in the skills that are the focus of the assessment."



Can't one demonstrate one's skills in different ways?









"2.1.3 No extra time will be permitted in examinations testing the time
in which a

skill is performed, such as keyboarding, or in practical activities such
as

swimming, musical performance, art controlled tests or expressive arts,

where the timing may be a crucial part of the assessment."



This will prevent many disabled students who understand these subjects
from taking these exams.











"2.2.6 A reader will not be allowed in subjects testing reading, such as
English

Irish (or Gaelige), Welsh, English Literature, Modern Foreign Language

reading papers and some Classical specifications requiring the candidate
to

read in Greek or Latin."



So if you need a reader you cannot demonstrate your knowledge and
understanding of a language.









"2.4.6 A practical assistant will not be allowed in subjects testing
design or artistic

skills, such as Music, Art, Design and Technology, IT keyboarding or
word

processing, where the practical skill is in itself the focus of the
examination.

Where minimal assistance only is required please contact your Awarding

Body. In practical science assessments, no marks will be given for

implementation, where this skill has been performed by the practical

assistant but marks may be credited for planning, analysis and
evaluation."



Again this does not allow for reasonable adjustments.



You can read more of these discriminatory regulations on the exam boards
website or www.jcgq.org.uk <http://www.jcgq.org.uk/>



I believe these regulations to be discriminatory and will challenge the
right of disabled students to demonstrate with adjustments what they can
do, or know.



Please do all you can to raise this matter in all the relevant forums
you attend so that they get withdrawn and amended.





Richard Rieser

Director of Disability Equality in Education

Unit GL, Leroy House,

436, Essex Road,

LONDON N1 3QP

Tel +44 (0)207 359 2855