NAPLAN access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) are available for students with disability to enable access to and participation in the tests on the same basis as students without disability.
NAPLAN AARA should be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with students, parents/carers and relevant school staff, including advisory teachers, as early as possible.
It is important that principals and their delegates read through section 6 of the National protocols for test administration. NAPLAN AARA should be determined in line with these protocols. Examples of the application of AARA can be found in a set of scenarios published on the National Assessment Program website.
Schools may also consult the Guide for schools to assist students with disability to access NAPLAN for further advice.
As part of the consultation process, the NAPLAN public demonstration site should be used to determine whether adjustments built into the NAP locked down browser (e.g. the zoom tool) can enable students with disability to access the tests on the same basis as other students.
Section 6 of the National protocols for test administration lists both school-approved and QCAA-approved adjustments available to support students with disability to access NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN AARA are also listed on the Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form.
The National protocols for test administration also provide information about NAPLAN AARA where a temporary injury impacts a student’s ability to access the tests independently.
Types of NAPLAN AARA
When submitting applications for QCAA-approved NAPLAN AARA for students with disability, keep in mind:
- A Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form needs to be completed and signed by the principal and parent/carer after discussing the appropriate adjustment/s for the student. A copy of the completed and signed form must be given to parents/carers. The original form must be retained in the student’s file. The Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form is available on the QCAA Portal in the NAPLAN administration app (on the Forms and resources tab) and the NAPLAN AARA app (on the Home tab).
- Applications for QCAA-approved NAPLAN AARA must be submitted by due dates to enable time for processing and the development of alternative format materials. Refer to the latest published memo on NAPLAN AARA at memos for schools for more information on this process. Subscribe to NAPLAN memos for notification of future updates.
- Applications for alternative format materials including braille, large print black and white masters and electronic PDF tests will be due in Term 4 each year. QCAA will work with schools requiring adjustments for Year 7 students, and other students not yet enrolled, in Term 1 of each year.
- Schools ensure that disability adjustments codes (DACs) are entered on the Online National Assessment Platform once approved by the QCAA and prior to scheduled NAPLAN tests.
QCAA-approved NAPLAN AARA are listed below. If you require assistance for adjustments not listed here, contact the QCAA AARA unit by email at aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone 1300 381 575.
| QCAA-approved adjustment | National protocols for test administration |
|---|---|
| Braille format | See section 6.7 |
| Large print format | See section 6.8 |
| Black and white masters | See section 6.9 |
| Electronic PDF tests | See section 6.10 |
| Use of a scribe (writing test) | See section 6.11 |
| Extra time — double the total test time | See section 6.16 |
| Assistive technology | See section 6.17 |
When assigning school-approved NAPLAN AARA for students with disability, keep in mind:
- A Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form needs to be completed and signed by the principal and parent/carer after discussing the appropriate adjustment/s for the student. A copy of the completed and signed form must be given to parents/carers. The original form must be retained in the student’s file. The Record of adjustment for disability (school use only) form is available on the QCAA Portal in the NAPLAN administration app (on the Forms and resources tab) and the NAPLAN AARA app (on the Home tab).
- Schools will need to apply the student’s disability adjustment codes (DACs) on the Online National Assessment Platform prior to scheduled NAPLAN tests.
School-approved NAPLAN AARA are listed below. If you require assistance for adjustments not listed here, contact the QCAA AARA unit by email at aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone 1300 381 575.
| School-approved adjustment | National protocols for test administration |
|---|---|
| NAPLAN support person | See section 6.12 |
| Oral/sign support | See section 6.13 |
| Rest breaks | See section 6.14 |
| Extra time | See section 6.15 |
| Alternative items | See section 6.19 |
| Colour themes | See section 6.20 |
- Last updated:
- 23 January 2025
