Updated as of December 26, 2023.
Accessibility and Exemption Information References
International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme; Section E: Special circumstances and arrangements
- Assessment principles and practices—Quality assessments in a digital age
Cambridge International
- Cambridge Handbook 2024
- “We are committed to equality of opportunity for candidates, in accordance with current UK legislation in relation to all protected characteristics, including but not limited to gender, ethnic origin, religion, gender reassignment, age and disability.” page 20 of Cambridge Handbook 2024
Note: This information is current as of December 2023.
| Accommodation | IB (International Baccalaureate) | Cambridge Assessment |
| Braille | ALLOWED, Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme “E 1.2 Assessment arrangements requiring authorization … For candidates who are visually impaired, include details about the modification of examination papers (for example, enlargement) including the Braille comber de required for candidates who are blind.” | AVAILABLE, page 40 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Tactile Graphics | No information provided | AVAILABLE, page 40 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Enlarged print | ALLOWED, Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme “E 1.2 Assessment arrangements requiring authorization … For candidates who are visually impaired, include details about the modification of examination papers (for example, enlargement) including the Braille code required for candidates who are blind.” | AVAILABLE, page 40 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Magnification with digital magnifier (CCTV) | No information provided | Might be AVAILABLE, page 41, Cambridge Handbook 2024 under the topic “Supplementary aids” (“Visual aids: if a candidate has a visual impairment you may allow them to use visual aids, for example, a magnifying glass, tinted glasses, coloured overlays, tactile rulers or reading rulers.”) |
| Digital accessibility: Screen magnifier | No information provided | Might be AVAILABLE, page 41, Cambridge Handbook 2024 under the topic “Supplementary aids” (“Visual aids: if a candidate has a visual impairment you may allow them to use visual aids, for example, a magnifying glass, tinted glasses, coloured overlays, tactile rulers or reading rulers.”) |
| Digital accessibility: Screen reader | ALLOWED, Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme “There are also major accessibility benefits for candidates with the use of screen readers. While some candidates may not be able to use the computer to address their access requirements, on-screen assessment will allow access to a wider range of candidates without the need for additional support, which can still be used where appropriate.” Assessment principles and practices—Quality assessments in a digital age, page 53. | Might be AVAILABLE, page 35, Cambridge Handbook 2024 (“We will allow a computer reader if a candidate is allowed to have a human reader. Depending on the assessment objectives of the syllabus, a computer reader may be allowed for papers testing reading.”) |
| Digital accessibility: Refreshable braille display | No information provided | There is no explicit mention of digital braille output, but a refreshable braille display may be considered as part of a computer’s “word processor” and therefore be allowed: page 39 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Human Reader | No information provided | AVAILABLE, but must qualify for this accommodation: page 36 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Scribe/Dictated response | No information provided | AVAILABLE, but must qualify for this accommodation: pages 38-39 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Student responds via assistive technology, such as a word processor | No information provided | AVAILABLE, pages 42-43 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Braille Notetaker for student response | No information provided | Unclear. There is no explicit mention of digital braille input, but a notetaker may be considered a “word processor” and therefore be allowed: pages 42-43 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| Braille Writer for student response | No information provided | Unclear. “Braille input” referenced once (page 38), but there is no explicit mention of manual braille input. |
| Calculator on Calculator-allowed portions of test | No information provided | AVAILABLE, pages 105-106 Cambridge Handbook 2024 “Unless the syllabus or the front of the question paper say candidates cannot use calculators, candidates can use a calculator if they want to.” BUT NOTE: “The calculator must be silent, with a visual display only.” |
| Calculator on NO Calculator-allowed portions of test | No information provided | AVAILABLE, pages 105-106 Cambridge Handbook 2024 |
| If Additional Accommodations are Needed … | No information provided | No information provided |
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.