Support for handicapped O/L candidates

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The Examinations Department will assist disabled candidates at the forthcoming G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination for the first time in the history of the education sector.

Physically and mentally handicapped candidates will be assisted by examination staff, Examinations Commissioner Anura Edirisinghe said.

"There are candidates who can't do what an average candidate is capable of doing due to various disabilities.

Some write with their legs, some are unable to sit for a long time while some can't sit at all.

Some candidates are dumb, deaf or blind.

These candidates will be assisted by the examination staff at the centres," the Examinations Commissioner said.

Citing an example, he said candidate who can't sit on a normal chair will be provided a special seat. School candidates who need special facilities have to apply with the recommendation of the principal and the doctor who treats the candidate.

Private candidates will be selected during an interview conducted by the Special Education Unit.

"These candidates will be given more time to answer exam papers. If it is needed they will be given special instruments and seat.

In addition, there will also be special supervisors and invigilators," Edirisinghe said.

Over 200 candidates have applied for the special facilities, the Commissioner added.