REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS POLICY  AND PROCEDURE

UK Home Learning College (UKHLC) recognises that some candidates require alternative arrangements for their assessments. This may be the result of a disability, medical condition or for religious reasons. The majority of the document focuses on reasonable adjustments for candidates who have disabilities, but it also covers candidates who may require adjustments based on religious grounds or candidates whose first language is not English.

The Equality Act 2010 (previously the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) aims to end discrimination which many disabled people face and it is now unlawful for Examination Institutes, among others, to discriminate against disabled people.

Examinations should be a fair test of an individual’s knowledge and what they are able to do. If someone has a disability or learning difficulty, the usual format of the examinations may not be suitable. Adjustments may need to be made for them. They allow an individual to show their ability and knowledge without being disadvantaged by the assessment format itself.

This document provides detailed information on UKHLC’s ‘reasonable adjustments policy and procedure’. In the case of accredited courses, the awarding organisation’s policy and procedure will supersede  this policy.

Reasonable Adjustments Policy Statement

UKHLC seeks to provide equal access to assessments for all candidates, ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers and that any reasonable adjustments for candidates preserve the validity, reliability and integrity of the qualification.

UKHLC  will endeavour to accommodate the needs of candidates with a particular assessment requirement, according to individual circumstances, ensuring such candidates are not disadvantaged in relation to other candidates and that certificates accurately reflect candidate attainment.

UKHLC  will give every consideration to requested extra time, ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers to the examination and candidate attainment. However, all requests will be considered on the information received. Requests for extra time which do not meet the Reasonable Adjustments Policy will be declined.

Who is entitled to Reasonable Adjustments?

The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long term adverse effect on a person’s ability to perform normal day to day activities. The following individuals will be considered for reasonable adjustments: 

·a permanent physical impairment, e.g. cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis

·behavioural, emotional, social needs, e.g. chronic  depression, autism

·a sensory impairment, e.g. hearing impairment, visual impairment

·specific cognitive difficulties, e.g. dyslexia, memory loss

·motor difficulties, e.g. hand / eye co-ordination, difficulty moving hands / arms

This list is not exhaustive and it should be noted that a learner may fall within more than one of the categories set out above.

What Reasonable Adjustments are considered acceptable?

Applications for reasonable adjustments will be individually considered and decisions may vary according to the exact nature of the learner’s  everyday needs and usual method of working. The reasonable adjustments offered by UKHLC may include: 

·Allocation of extra time

·Bilingual paper dictionary whose purpose is translation between the examination language and another national language

·Large Print

·Alternative fonts

·Coloured Paper

·Support of a personal assistant

·Rest / Time Breaks

·Allowing the use of a Sign Language interpreter

·Support of a scribe / amanuensis

·Allowing use of assistive technology

·Support of a reader

·Use of appropriate examination locations

·Re-sits, in the case of temporary illness / injury

This is not an exhaustive list and other adjustments will be considered on a case by case basis. UKHLC will consider all requests in line with our Reasonable Adjustments and the guidelines of the respective awarding organisation.

 

How much extra time is allowed?

 Extra time will be permitted, as appropriate to the learner’s requirements, in line with this document ensuring you are not disadvantaged in relation to other candidates. The standard time extension for our examinations is 25% if you have a disability or are not able to take the exam in your official or native language. You cannot request any more than 25% extra time due to your language. Up to 100% extra time can be provided due to a disability dependent on your particular needs if this is requested by an appropriate professional.

All requests for extra time will be considered based on the information supplied; however; in consideration of the amount of extra time requested UKHLC tries to  ensure that: 

·The credibility of the qualification is maintained

·The validity, reliability and integrity of the examination is preserved

·Learners are not given, or do not appear to be given an unfair advantage.

What Documentary Evidence is required?

Learner  should provide UKHLC with documentary evidence which outlines the nature and severity of your disability. It should be from an appropriate independent professional.

Disability

Apply before the exam

Documentary Evidence

Visually Impaired Candidate	50% Extra Time as well as assistive technology / scribe	Appropriate professional providing a written, dated and signed statement OR Certificate of Registration as blind or partially sighted
Hearing Impaired Candidate	25% Extra Time as well as allowing a sign language  Interpreter	Appropriate professional providing a written, dated and signed statement
Dyslexic Candidate	25% Extra Time as well as changes to the exam paper – such as background colour and font size	Appropriate professional providing a written, dated and signed statement OR Report from a Learning Support professional or educational psychologist
Other Medical Conditions	Up to 25% Extra Time as well as assistive technology / scribe	Appropriate professional providing a written, dated and signed statement

 

Details of authorising specific reasonable adjustments

UKHLC  will consider each request in line with our Reasonable Adjustments Policy and you will be informed in writing of our decision. If we require further information or clarification, we may do this by telephone or email.

                    
                           Examination Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the nature of your requirement? (tick or complete as appropriate)

 

 Cognitive impairment e.g. Dyslexia

 

Visual impairment

Motor difficulties e,g. Hand-eye co-ordination	Physical impairment e.g. cerebral palsy
Hearing impairment	Religious grounds
Other (please specify)___________________________________________________________

 

What reasonable adjustments do you require? (tick and provide details below)

 Reader/Scribe

 

Larger Font

Interpreter	Coloured Paper )
Rest Periods/ Comfort Break	Lip Speaker
Own Software	Own hardware
Extra Time	Requested extra time in minutes _______
Other (please specify)___________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Extra time

The standard time extension for BCS examinations is 25% upon submission of a suitable medical certificate

confirming your disability. Up to 100% extra time may be allocated dependent on your particular needs. Your

Health Professional must make a recommendation for how much time is required if more than 25% is requested.

Please indicate the form of evidence that supports your request. The evidence document will be copied and the original will be returned to the learner.

 Original Health Professional Report

Official summary of the Heath Professional Report
A letter from another awarding body approving reasonable adjustments
A written statement signed by an appropriate religious authority
Other (please specify):

 

 

       I confirm that the information provided on this form is true and accurate to my knowledge.

 

Date