Exam Accommodations for Students with Dyspraxia/DCD: What Parents Need to Know

Exam Accommodations for Students with Dyspraxia/DCD: What Parents Need to Know

State exams can be particularly challenging for students with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia. Fortunately, the Reasonable Accommodations for Certificate Exams (RACE) scheme provides support to help these students demonstrate their true abilities without being disadvantaged by their condition.

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?

RACE accommodations are designed to lessen the impact of a disability on exam performance, helping students achieve their potential. For students with DCD/Dyspraxia, these accommodations typically address handwriting difficulties that can impact the speed, legibility, and physical comfort of written exams.

Key Accommodations Available

Students with DCD/Dyspraxia may be eligible for several accommodations through the "Physical Difficulty" route:

• Word processor use: Students may use a standard word processor with spell-check and auto-correct turned off

• Drawing aids: Including drafting machines, drawing boards, and smaller drawing sheets for technical subjects

• Helper in practical examinations: For assistance with non-assessment tasks like equipment handling

• Specific exemptions: In subjects like Junior Certificate Home Economics

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward but requires timely attention:

1. Applications are made through your child's school

2. Documentation of ongoing handwriting difficulties must be provided

3. Evidence of the school's previous interventions (like laptop use) should be included

4. For the "Physical Difficulty" route, your child's writing speed should be less than 12 words per minute or their handwriting must be effectively illegible

Important Considerations

• Accommodations granted at Junior Certificate will typically continue for Leaving Certificate with school confirmation of ongoing need

• The exam certificate only includes an explanatory note when a part of the examination has been waived (not for typing instead of handwriting)

• Rest breaks of up to 20 minutes per exam may be granted at the school's discretion for students with physical conditions

• Students may be eligible for both "Physical Difficulty" and "Learning Difficulty" accommodations if they have co-existing conditions like Dyslexia

Will These Accommodations Affect College Applications?

The accommodations themselves won't impact college applications. When using a word processor for physical difficulties, your child can still demonstrate their spelling and grammar proficiency, as spell-check must be disabled.

Need More Information?

For detailed information on RACE accommodations, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines, visit www.examinations.ie.

This article provides a summary of RACE guidelines as of 2023. Always consult the most current guidelines when applying for accommodations.