Examination procedures for visually impaired students
Brailling examination papers
It is University policy to send all examination papers to the RNIB Braille Unit to have them brailled there. This is partly for security reasons and partly to ensure quality control in proof-reading. The Centre staff, while able to read sufficient braille for everyday purposes, are not trained braillists and could not be expected to ensure that there are no errors in the braille.
The same procedure applies to any material for assessed essays containing long texts and counting towards the final degree result. Short assessed essay questions can be brailled and proof-read by the Centre staff.
Academic departments should send examination papers in the usual way to the Examinations Office, indicating that one (or more) of the candidates needs a copy in braille. RNIB require 6 weeks' notice for examination papers (9 weeks for foreign languages) and 4 weeks for assessed essay questions.
Recording examination papers
Departments should give the Recording Centre 2 weeks' notice to book a studio. Examination papers are recorded in the Centre either by the lecturer concerned or by another member of the departmental teaching staff. Recording Centre staff will produce copy tapes and braille/large print labels but lecturers are responsible for checking the master and copy tapes before forwarding them to the Examinations Office.
Large print/disk format
Papers can be produced in large print or on disk by the Examinations Office.
Equipment and examination rooms
The Examinations Office, in conjunction with the Disability Office, is responsible for all arrangements regarding rooms, time allowance and equipment. The Examinations Office sends students' timetables in advance to be brailled or recorded in the Centre and can also contact the Centre for any additional braille or tape in an emergency.
Contact details
Ifor Hughes (Examinations Office)5827
Adele Jones (Disability Office)3251