Learners with disabilities

The National Benchmark Tests Project makes provision for writers with disabilities. Writers who require examination accommodations on account of a disability can contact the NBT helpdesk (021-6503523) or download the Accommodation request form to be submitted four weeks prior to the selected test date.

We have successfully accommodated writers who are:

• Blind (e.g.  Braille)
• Visually impaired (e.g. Large print)
• Deaf/hard of hearing
• Mobility/physically impaired (i.e cerebral palsy etc) requires a scribe
• Have any specific learning disability (i.e. dyslexia, autism, require extra time)
• Have any chronic illness which requires special accommodations (i.e. diabetic)

 Disability Policy

Assessments supporting applications for the examination concessions listed below need to have been conducted in the past three years.

To qualify for a TIME CONCESSION

Candidates who have been diagnosed with a reading disorder by an appropriately qualified psychologist may qualify for a time concession. In determining the amount of extra time approved, the recommendation in the psychologist’s report will be considered, but will not exceed 25% of the prescribed examination time.

To qualify for a READER

The need for a reader needs to be well motivated, as a reader is only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Only candidates who were granted the use of a reader in the National Senior Certificate examination will be considered. The documentation from the relevant examining authority, approving the use of a reader, needs to be submitted.

Candidates with a Specific Learning Disability with impairment in reading, who qualify for a reader for the National Benchmark Tests, need to note that the universities to which they apply may not provide this accommodation. It is in the interest of candidates to enquire in advance what each university’s policy is regarding the provision of readers.   

To qualify for a SCRIBE

The NBTs are multiple choice and it is therefore assumed that only an applicant with medical documentation e.g. a report from a neurologist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, which states that he or she is unable to manipulate a pencil sufficiently well to make the required marks on the answer sheet, will qualify for a scribe. These students, although able to use a pencil, may be slowed in their use thereof. Such students may also qualify for extra time with relevant medical documents.

The following categories of students may qualify for a scribe: students with hemiplegia and quadriplegia, students with injuries that significantly affect their fine motor control and those with a range of neurological conditions that impact on hand function.

Blind students and students with visual impairments

Braille versions of the tests can be made available for blind students.  A reader/scribe is provided to cater for varying degrees of braille proficiency, and also to record the student’s responses on the multiple choice answer. Students with visual impairments may request that the test script be enlarged.