4.19 Readers are a reasonable adjustment currently used where visually impaired candidates cannot access examination papers in any format, including Braille or modified/enlarged papers. Readers include human readers, computer/screen readers and reading pens. These enable candidates to accept written assessment material, such as instructions and questions within an examination paper to candidates to enable them to access that assessment material.

4.20 Human and computer/screen readers are currently used as a reasonable adjustment in general qualifications where the candidate’s ability to read is not being assessed.

4.21 However, where the ability to read is being assessed – for example in GCSE English reading components – human readers, computer/screen readers and reading pens are not currently allowed.

4.22 This means that where visually impaired candidates cannot access Braille, enlarged print or modified enlarged print, exemptions are currently available for reading components of qualifications such as GCSE English and Modern Foreign Languages.

4.23 An exception to these arrangements is that Functional Skills English allows the use of computer readers in the component which assesses the candidate’s ability to read.