From September 2012, all the main awarding bodies (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, City and Guilds, CEA and WJEC) will allow the use of computer readers such as Jaws in exams testing reading.
Until now, candidates with visual impairments had to be exempted from the reading requirement of English or literacy qualification in return for a special "indication" on their certificate. Now they will be able to participate on an equal footing with sighted learners. This will affect subjects such as English language GCSE which require children to read and respond to written text.
RNIB has been lobbying for this change for a long time and we are pleased that it has finally come about following a consultation by Ofqual on the application of the 2010 Equality Act to general qualifications. The change to exam rules has recently been confirmed by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
This represents an important step forward in ensuring that the national exam system reflects the real working methods that blind and partially sighted people use in their education and employment. At the same time it is important that this change in policy does not undermine the entitlement of any child or young person with visual impairment to learning full literacy through print or braille wherever they are capable of doing so.
Large print
RNIB has also been in discussion with JCQ about the range of formats in which exams are provided.
From September 2012 a new large print format will be available - 24 point Arial bold on A4 which can also be enlarged to provide approximately 36 point on A3. This is an important development which recognises the fact that many partially sighted learners need larger print sizes than previously available.
Please note that these changes do not affect exam provision in summer 2012.
• Rory Cobb, RNIB National development officer, qualifications and curriculum