1. Understanding Examination Adjustments

Universities and educational institutions offer a range of examination adjustments to support students with mental health difficulties, chronic health conditions, or specific learning difficulties (SpLD), including dyscalculia. These adjustments might include:

• Extra exam time and/or rest time during exams
• Alteration to the exam mode; use of a computer or handwrite exams depending on the adjustment required
• Following inclusive marking guidelines
• A quieter exam environment

2. Register with Disability Services and Schedule a Consultation

Registration with Disability Services:

Begin by registering with your university’s Disability or Inclusion Services. This registration is crucial for setting up the necessary examination adjustments and support tailored to your needs.

Book a Consultation:

Arrange an appointment with a Disability Adviser at your university. During this meeting, the adviser will help you navigate the process and discuss the specific adjustments that may be required for your exams.

3. Provide Suitable Evidence

An educational psychologist’s or specialist teacher’s report should be provided to the Disability Advisory Service who will arrange a summary sheet to be produced by the university’s SpLD specialist. Your assessment must meet the University of Oxford’s Guidance on SpLD Diagnostic Assessments.

To qualify for exam adjustments, you need to provide appropriate evidence of your disability. For dyscalculia, to assist you in obtaining the necessary evidence, Dynamo Post 16 offers comprehensive evidence-based screeners. Your assessor can buy the comprehensive research and evidence-based screener here only for £29.99 and for a limited time get the Dynamo Post16 Dyscalculia Self-perception Questionnaire (DSPQ) free with your purchase.

• Dynamo Post16 Dyscalculia Number Sense Profiler (DNSP): £29.99 + VAT
• Dynamo Post16 Dyscalculia Self-perception Questionnaire (DSPQ): FREE with DSNP

4. Check Registration Deadlines

Be mindful of the registration deadlines for your university’s Disability Services or Inclusion Departments. These deadlines are crucial to ensure that your exam adjustments are in place well before your exams. Deadlines can vary, so it is important to check with your university or department to avoid any last-minute issues.

I am Karima Esmail, Co-founder of Dynamo Maths, an award-winning, research and evidence-based inclusive programme proven to support students with dyscalculia and those not meeting age-related expectations.

I have 15 years of experience as a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. More recently, I undertook research at University College London, which inspired the creation of Puffin Maths for the deaf and hard of hearing, which now provides access to the National Curriculum using British Sign Language (BSL). Puffin Maths was ‘Highly Commended’ at BETT 2022.

I have also co-authored Dynamo Post 14 Number Sense Profiler and Dyscalculia Self Perception Indicators Questionnaire.