Exams no challenge for these students

A total of 4,695 such students appeared for the examination this year. Of these,845 were visually-challenged,368 with hearing impairments,88 with speech impairments,2,785 were with orthopaedic problems,69 spastic,540 were dyslexic and slow learners.

MSBSHSE chairperson Ujjwala Patil said,“For slow learners or dyslexic students or those with cerebral palsy,we give an additional 20 minutes per hour to write their papers,as per the decision of the Disability Welfare Commissioner. Students with other problems are given an additional 15 minutes per hour. In the practical examinations too,special arrangements are made. For instance,those with speech problems are exempted from oral examinations. Those with problems related to numbers are allowed to use calculators,for science,art as well as commerce since October 2006 as per the directives of the Bombay High Court.”

She said visually-challenged students are exempted from drawing figures and sketches in subjects such as biology and geography.

“Writing aides are also given to students who need them,but the aide has to have an educational qualification lower than that of the candidate appearing for

the examination.”