19 Access (For Candidates with Specific Needs)
a) ABRSM endeavours to make its exams accessible to all candidates, although it should be understood that, while the examiner is informed of candidates’ needs, no special concession or allowance in marking is made, and each candidate’s performance is judged according to the standard normally expected. ABRSM publishes separate guidelines covering provisions for blind and partially-sighted candidates, deaf and hearing-impaired candidates, candidates with dyslexia or other learning difficulties, candidates with autistic spectrum disorders (including Asperger syndrome) and candidates with other specific needs. Where ABRSM’s guidelines are not applicable, or a candidate has particular physical access needs, each case is considered on an individual basis. Guidelines and any further information are available from the Access Co-ordinator, from the appropriate regional office in London, by textphone (020 7637 2582) or you can view and download the full guidelines online.
b) When making an entry, the Applicant should record the relevant code on the entry form. (Details of all current codes are given in ABRSM’s guidelines (see regulation 19a) as well as on the entry form.) Where further arrangements are required, or the codes are not applicable, the Applicant should attach a covering letter to the entry form giving full details. For entries made online, any additional information should be e-mailed separately to the Access Co-ordinator or sent by post. Some provisions require a supporting document to be submitted, which is accepted if dated within the preceding three years (and is retained until those three years have elapsed). In such cases, if ABRSM does not receive the relevant supporting document in advance of the exam, results may be withheld or a penalty imposed.
c) Blind or partially-sighted candidates: special arrangements exist for the sight-reading element and also for Aural Test B at Grades 4–8. Further information about amanuenses, tests, specimen tests, extra time and entry form codes is available in the relevant guidelines (see regulation 19a).
d) Deaf or hearing-impaired candidates: alternative aural tests are available for deaf or hearing-impaired candidates taking graded exams. Further information about tests, specimen tests, sign-language interpreters, extra time and entry form codes is available in the relevant guidelines (see regulation 19a).
e) Candidates with dyslexia, dyspraxia or other learning difficulties: candidates with dyslexia, dyspraxia or other learning difficulties may be eligible for extra time and/or other provisions. A current supporting document (see regulation 19b) must be submitted before such provisions can be granted. Further information about extra time, supporting assessments and the administration of the exam is available in the relevant guidelines (see regulation 19a).
f) Candidates with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD): it is recognized that candidates with ASD have a variety of different needs, which may include extra time for communication.Where extra time is required for sight-reading, or where a third party is required in the exam room, a current supporting document (see regulation 19b) must be submitted. Further information about extra time, supporting documents and the administration of the exam is available in the relevant guidelines (see regulation 19a).
g) Candidates of any age whose needs mean that they are not able to access graded exams may enter for the Performance Assessment, in which they may perform a programme of pieces entirely of their own choice and lasting no more than 15 minutes.