The following guidance materials can help exam centres meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995 (DDA), extended in 2005, and the Disability Equality Duty (DED), introduced in 2006.

The DDA introduced measures aimed at eliminating the discrimination often faced by disabled people. The main provisions of the Act give protection to disabled people in the areas of employment and education.

Since December 2006, there has also been a new legal duty (DED) on all public sector organisations to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. This includes schools and as such exam centres.

Briefing sheets

Introducing the Disability Discrimination Act (PDF 86kB)
Improving access and meeting the requirements of candidates (PDF 177kB)
The role of the invigilator (PDF 81kB)
Disability terminology (PDF 75kB)
Useful contacts and sources of information (PDF 68kB)

DDA quiz

The NAA has created a quiz to test your knowledge of the DED, DDA and good practice.

Attempt the quiz
Download the questions (PDF 80kB)
Download the answers (PDF 83kB)

PowerPoint presentation

This slideshow is a useful good practice tool that centres can use to raise awareness of disability, issues around it and actions that centres can take to ensure they are meeting the requirements of anti-discrimination legislation.

The Disability Discrimination Act: An introduction for exams officers. October 2006 (PPT 152kB)

Video

Visit the Department for Work and Pensions website where you can download an information film for employers

Case studies

Case study 1 A GCSE candidate is worried that she may be disadvantaged by her dyslexia (PDF 27kB)
Case study 2 A partially sighted student begins a series of work placements (PDF 27kB)
Case study 3 A student with a mental illness takes time away from lessons (PDF 27kB)