Disability provisions program
Section 20A(2) of the Education Act 1990 (NSW) authorises NESA to set and publish rules and procedures pertaining to candidates requesting disability provisions at tests or exams for the award of the HSC.
Disability provisions have been designed to meet NESA’s obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and Disability Standards for Education 2005.
About disability provisions
- Disability provisions:
- address students’ exam needs impacted by one or more of the following categories of disability:
- learning, and/or
- medical, and/or
- vision, and/or
- hearing.
- are determined on the basis of functional evidence of impact, and
- provide practical support for students with disability to access HSC exams, not to achieve potential.1
- address students’ exam needs impacted by one or more of the following categories of disability:
Footnotes
The practical support does not include any adjustments to marks in an exam.
Glossary
Actions taken to enable a student with disability to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students, in accordance with the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
The varied types of activities that enable a student to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding so that a teacher can gather evidence on student performance relative to the syllabus outcomes.
The process to determine the most appropriate curriculum options and adjustments for a student with disability. It should take place within the broader context of personalised planning that includes interventions and other supports to address identified student learning and support needs.
Practical support available to students to enable a student with disability to access and participate in HSC exams. Disability provisions have been designed to meet NESA’s obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and Disability Standards for Education 2005.
A health condition characterised by fluctuating periods and degrees of illness and wellness.
Evidence of the impact of a condition or disability on how a student functions in an exam situation. For example, a student's performance on approved reading and spelling tests, work samples that include extended responses, and teacher comments on adjustments that have been trialled at school.
A medical incident or condition which allegedly impacted the student’s performance in the exam. For example, an asthma attack or bleeding nose during the exam.
An incident or event that is unexpected; and is beyond a student's control; and prevents attendance or diminishes exam performance.
A disability that does not change and that impacts a student’s ability to function in exam conditions. For example, physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida; longstanding developmental coordination disorder causing illegible or painful writing, requiring a writer; vision impairment, requiring braille.
Person responsible for managing supervisors and coordinating the delivery and conduct of HSC exams at an exam centre. They are nominated by the school principal and employed by NESA to undertake their responsibilities.
A disability that temporarily impacts a student’s ability to function in exam conditions. For example, a broken arm.