Visually Impaired Student Navigates Educational Challenges
Anna Brazil, a visually impaired student with a visual acuity of 6/48, is facing unique challenges as she prepares to sit her Leaving Certificate exams in June 2025. Despite her determination and abilities, Anna is struggling to access modified or enlarged exam papers that would allow her to compete on an equal playing field with her sighted peers.
Lack of Accommodations for Visually Impaired Students
Currently, there are two companies in Ireland that supply exam papers for the mock Junior and Leaving Cert exams, but neither of these companies offer modified or enlarged exam papers for visually impaired students like Anna. This lack of accommodation means that Anna is at a disadvantage when it comes to subjects like geography, maths, and science, where questions often involve diagrams and graphs that are difficult for her to interpret.
Out of the 406,393 students in secondary school during the 2022/2023 school year, 6% were visually impaired, according to Central Statistics Office data. Despite this significant number, there is no onus on the supplying companies to provide accommodations for students with disabilities, leaving Anna feeling unseen and ignored.
Advocating for Change
Anna has reached out to the Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission to request modified or enlarged papers, but has yet to receive a response. As she prepares for her mock exams next month, Anna is left relying on her teachers to create these accommodations for her. This lack of support not only affects Anna but also highlights the broader issue of inclusivity for visually impaired students across the country.
Anna is calling for a change in the system to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to the same opportunities to reach their full potential. She hopes that by speaking out about her experiences, she can spark a conversation that leads to progress in accommodating the needs of visually impaired students in the education system.
Anna’s Call for Inclusion
As Anna navigates the challenges of her education, she is determined to advocate for herself and other visually impaired students who may be facing similar obstacles. She believes that with understanding, conversations, and inclusion, the educational system can be more equitable and accessible for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Anna’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that every student has the support and accommodations they need to succeed. By raising awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired students, Anna is working towards a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all.
