Disability Provisions explained: HSC help hits the right note for Kiara

Being blind was never going to stop Kiara Risnes, a keen student and musician, from tackling the Higher School Certificate (HSC) last year.

Access to a tailored set of disability provisions meant Kiara was able to undertake both written and practical exams in all her selected courses at Leumeah High School, in Sydney’s south-west.

“The teachers did all the applications and communicated with NESA [the NSW Education Standards Authority] in the lead-up and once we got the provisions, they went through these with me to make sure I had what I needed,” Kiara said.

“I was happy with the level of support and the provisions – they absolutely helped me access the exams.”

Having low vision meant that many factors needed to be considered so Kiara could access both the written and practical HSC exams.

NESA worked closely with the Learning and Support team at Leumeah High School to determine how, and to what extent, Kiara’s disability would impact her ability to make a fair attempt at the exams.

For the written exams, Kiara said she was provided with a braille device.

“My vision teacher was also allowed in with me to help set-up the equipment and make sure the technology was working,” she said.

Extra examination time was granted to accommodate exam material, such as diagrams and pictures, and regular rest breaks were provided.

“I got an extra 15 minutes every half hour for Earth and Environmental Science because of the diagrams – they take a lot longer to feel – and extra time in my music component.”

Adam Matthews, a teacher at Leumeah High School, said: “Although the provisions required to support Kiara across her exams were extensive, the application process was comprehensive and easy to follow.”

Following completion of the HSC, Kiara commenced a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Music with minors in History and Creative Writing at UNSW Sydney.

Who gets Disability Provisions?

All students in all school sectors can apply for HSC Disability Provisions, with documented evidence of the functional impact of their disability – it’s their legal entitlement.

Paul Martin, CEO of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), said it is important that any student who needs disability provisions applies.

The number of students across all sectors receiving Disability Provisions has increased by 45 per cent since 2020, with 10,426 students receiving this support in 2023.

“Over the past four years, NESA has strengthened the information available for schools and families about HSC Disability Provisions.

“Online workshops are available to all teachers in NSW, to provide advice and support to improve their understanding of the provisions.

“Keep in mind that students approved for Disability Provisions don’t receive any additional marks – the provisions don’t provide an advantage. They ensure students who need help to access the exams are able to participate and show what they know,” Mr Martin said.

All applications are rigorously reviewed before being approved by NESA. This ensures provisions granted respond to each student’s specific learning, medical and psychological health needs that have an impact in exam situations.

Most applications for disability provisions open in Term 4, the year before a student’s HSC exams and close at the end of Term 1. This allows time for schools to gather relevant reports and evidence for the application.

Schools can apply for HSC provisions as early as Year 10 for disabilities whose impact doesn’t change, such as vision impairment, or physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

Depending on the nature of the disability, provisions can include additional time, support from a reader or writer in exams, access to toilet breaks, adapted furniture, braille or large-print papers, or support from an oral or sign interpreter.

As each student’s situation is unique, NESA considers the functional evidence provided for each student against standards and guidelines set out by a panel of specialists.

This story was first published in the Term 3, 2024 edition of the P&C Journal.

Learn more about HSC Disability Provisions on our website.