Layla, who is also a Cerebral Palsy Alliance Kingswood client, was interviewed alongside CPA Chair of Allied Health, Professor Iona Novak, who called the NESA decision “borderline discriminatory”.
“We don’t ask any student with disability to leave their glasses or hearing aid behind in case this gives them an unfair advantage – so if you have a physical disability and can’t handwrite, typing seems an obvious digital solution,” said Professor Iona Novak.
In the segment which aired nationally on 1 October, Layla, who is vision impaired, explained how it was painful for her to write and that she worried markers wouldn’t be able to decipher what she put on paper.
Ï think my message to NESA is, if you’re going to say you’re inclusive, live by it, because you’re knocking people with disabilities back and that’s why so many people with disabilities are dropping out of school,” said Layla.
CPActive, our grassroots advocacy community, has been campaigning for clear, consistent and enforceable guidelines for support around assessments since 2022. While the NSW Government committed to our ask ahead of last year’s state election, CPActive is still pushing for urgent action for thousands of students with disability such as Layla.
The clock is ticking – sign our petition on exam supports
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Whether you’re someone with a disability, a parent, a carer or simply an ally – we need you on our team. Join the CPActive community to receive newsletter updates, VIP invitations to online events, and take part in campaigns to support people with cerebral palsy and similar conditions.
