Alternatives, assistive technology and exams

Handwriting skills: adaptations and general resources (video)

This is video 6 in a 6-part series.

Handwriting skills

What you will learn

In this video, you will learn about:

• assistive technology
• use of assistive technology for exams

Assistive technology

Assistive technology is any device or system that helps you do something if you have additional needs.

It can be useful for some children.

It might be useful if your child has handwriting difficulties that do not improve over time.

Apply for funding

You can apply for funding for assistive technology equipment.

You apply through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The funding is open to children who:

• have a serious physical disability
• have a sensory or communicative disability that affects their ability to communicate through speech or writing
• cannot access the school curriculum without the technology

You can only apply if the equipment in school is not sufficient.

Application forms for assistive technology - ncse.ie

Disabilities that qualify

Your child may qualify for funding for assistive technology if they have:

• a hearing impairment
• a visual impairment
• a physical disability
• a profound learning disability

They may also be able to get assistive technology if they have:

• a moderate learning disability
• autism
• a speech and language disorder
• a specific learning disability
• multiple disabilities

But it will depend on your circumstances. Not all children with a disability will qualify under this scheme.

Exams

If your child is taking the Junior Cert or Leaving Cert they may need an adaptation to cater for their needs. These are known as accommodations.

These accommodations do not change the exam's content or difficulty but they adapt the test environment.

Writing accommodations include:

• a word processor, like a laptop
• a recording device
• access to a scribe - this is someone who writes for them

Your child will need to apply for an accommodation. Their application should be assessed based on their need.

Even if your child uses assistive technology in school, they will not automatically have the right to use it in exams. They must meet certain criteria and apply for it.

You apply for these through your school, through the Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE scheme).

Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) - citizensinformation.ie

Laptop

Your child may be able to use a laptop in an exam if:

• they cannot write at a reasonable speed in an exam
• their writing is too difficult to read