Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of any disabled candidates, to enable them to best understand questions and tasks and give their answers. It is our aim for the language level of all candidates, irrespective of disability, to be assessed fairly and objectively.

Requests concerning particular disabled candidates should be addressed to the local centre as much in advance of the test administration as possible and should be supported by appropriate medical certificates. The test centre needs time to discuss any special arrangements with UCLES. Each case is considered individually.

Please note that at least 3 months’ notice is essential if a modified version of IELTS is required (eg: Braille or Hearing-impaired versions), and preferred for all other applications for special arrangements

Candidates with visual difficulties may apply for a range of provisions, including enlarged print, and brailled question papers.

Answers may be recorded in a variety of ways, eg. via an amanuensis, or using a braille machine or word-processor, and extra time may be allowed for completion of Reading and Writing modules.

A special needs version of the listening module is also available.

If candidates suffer from partial hearing loss and can hear with the help of headphones or special amplification equipment they may ask for permission to use this type of equipment when taking listening modules.

A lip-reading version of the listening module is also available in which the supervisor reads the listening tests to the candidate.

‘Due to extreme speaking and/or hearing difficulties this candidate was exempt from taking the Speaking and/or Listening modules and the overall band score reflects this.’

NB: Candidates must apply for exemption before taking an examination

If candidates have dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty, they may need extra time to complete a paper. This might be necessary if, for example, it takes candidates a long time to read the questions or write their answers.

They may normally apply for up to 30 minutes extra time for completion of the Reading and Writing modules.

Candidates with Specific Learning Difficulties may also apply to write their answers using a typewriter or word-processor, if they normally write this way.

If permission is given for them to use a word-processor, it must not have a spellcheck or thesaurus facility.

Please note that the IELTS Administrator may not be able to provide facilities for word-processing (including the use of computers or software). Candidates should discuss their needs with their IELTS Administrator.