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Exam Accessibility: progress towards enabling disabled students to use assistive technology in the exam room Abi James, Assistive Technology Researcher BDA / University of Southampton Accessibility Journey © Copyright C Michael Hogan and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Role of standards and guidance: managing risk and expectations Regulatory framework Technical guidance Accessible Assessments A.T. use in high stake UK exams: where the journey began BDA NTC ask: • Are the PDFs accessible? • What tools are compatible? 2012/3: JCQ boards allow 2007: SQA “computer readers” in all piloted GCSE/GCE digital including exams those testing reading 2013/4: JCQ boards allow school to order “non-interactive questions papers” for computer reader users Preparing the landscape for A.T. use: Awarding bodies & PDFs • Awarding bodies unaware of “accessibility” issues and requirements • Traditional graphic design and proof reading processes • Past papers showed number of problems – Permissions – Text as images – Test in PDF reading aloud incorrectly Making AT use in exams a reality, Embracing the political and legislative framework Encouraging sharing of best practice (and failures) Building confidence in the technology and processes Gaining momentum How many candidates use assistive technology? Reader Scribe Computer reader PDFs GCSE No of candidates 2012/13: 48,300 2013/14: 51,750 2012/13: 26,250 2013/14: 26,250 2012/13: 750 2013/14: 2,050 No of papers: 2013/14: 4800 % of 2014 English GCSE entries 9.5% 4.8% 0.4% 0.9% Steps taken so far since 2013 1. Demonstrated to regulators, government & awarding bodies the problems with inaccessible PDFs 2. Tested sample papers to advise on required changes 3. With UKAAF & experts develop standards for Accessible PDF for assessments 4. Following consultation UKAAF standard published Jan 2015 UKAAF Accessible PDF for assessments • Covering use of PDF for exams with computer readers • Pragmatic, realistic approach • To build confidence and understanding across the sector • First steps to ensuring accessibility needs are considered within creation of exam papers • 1 of 5 GCSE boards already achieving standard UKAAF Accessible PDF for assessments • Accessibility in line with assessment criteria • Transparent in terms of the level of support for different groups of candidates to work in parallel with the modification processes. – Level 1: standard PDF papers for sighted candidates; to be compatible with text to speech – Level 2: modified content for candidates who are blind or have significant VI; to be compatible with screen readers UKAAF Standards – what do they mean for A.T. developers? • Is your software compatible with the standard? • How do we get end-users, schools and colleges to know about the standard ? – Setting the expectations of the customer • Can you assist with developing standards and guidance further? What does the future hold? • PDFs are here to stay for paper equivalent exams • Issues with reading aloud maths & notation – regulatory & technical barriers • Still many areas where A.T. use is difficult due to lack of guidance. • Online assessment – Functional Skills, recent Ofqual review highlighted accessibility improvements required – Professional qualification & psychometric testing moving more online Making it a reality, working together Encouraging sharing of best practice (and failures) Building confidence in the technology and processes Bringing together stakeholders Accessible Assessment for all Using the appropriate technology Gaining momentum Embracing the legislative and regularity framework How do we engage with assessment & publishing community? To get involved • UKAAF contact: – [email protected] • Abi James – [email protected]