NeuroMe Assessment Accommodations and Concessions Policy

Updated: 13 march 2026

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the procedure for requesting, approving, and implementing assessment accommodations for learners experiencing barriers to learning. NeuroMe is committed to inclusive education; however, all accommodations must strictly adhere to SACAI (South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute) regulatory standards to maintain the integrity of the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

2. Regulatory Governance

Regulatory Authority: All accommodation applications for Grade 10–12 learners must be approved by SACAI. For grades R-9, all accommodation applications must be informed by an Educational Psychologist’s recommendation and confirmed with NeuroMe via the ionHub before use.
Validity: Accommodations are only valid once a formal SACAI accommodation letter is issued. Only the specific accommodations indicated on this letter may be implemented. Each phase needs to have a new letter of approved accommodation.
Consistency: Approved accommodations must be applied to all internal assessments (term tests, assignments) and external SACAI examinations to ensure the learner is familiar with the support.

3. Applying for Accommodations with SACAI

All accommodation applications must be supported by a recent (not older than 2 years) educational psychologist’s recommendation. The procurement of, written recommendation from an Educational Psychologist as a homeschooling learner in grades R-9 is the sole responsibility of the parent. Securing Educational Psychologist’s recommendations in earlier grades provides the historical evidence required for FET (grades 10–12) applications. Failure to establish this history makes future SACAI applications significantly more difficult- but not impossible.

3.1 New Application for Accommodations (Grade 10 and 11)

SACAI does not permit new accommodation applications for learners in Grade 12. Applications must be submitted through NeuroMe between January and July of the academic year.

NeuroMe’s Role: We provide the necessary documentation, forms, and fee schedules. We act as a postal service to SACAI. We do not validate, check the quality, or comment on the needs of the learner.
Parent’s Role: Consult the educational psychologist to ensure the application is accurate. Ensure all deadlines are met for the application to be processed and pay all relevant application fees to NeuroMe.
SACAI’s Role: SACAI and their professional team review the application and educational psychologist report, providing written feedback within approximately 6 weeks.

3.2 Conversion of Existing Letter of Accommodation Approval

Learners previously registered with another examination body (IEB or DBE) or SACAI-institution may apply to convert a valid FET-level accommodation letter to be recognised by SACAI within NeuroMe.

NeuroMe’s Role: Provide the conversion forms and forward the application to SACAI.
Parent’s Role: Ensure the application contains valid information and pay all relevant application fees to NeuroMe.
SACAI’s Role: Review the conversion and provide feedback in writing within 6 weeks.

3.3 Appeal Process

SACAI allows an appeal within 30 days of their initial decision.

Parent’s Role: Provide new, elaborative, and evidence-based information to substantiate the appeal and pay all relevant application fees to NeuroMe. Note: Merely repeating the information from the original application will result in the appeal being rejected.
NeuroMe’s Role: Forward the appeal to SACAI upon receipt.
SACAI’s Role: Investigate and provide written feedback (timelines vary).

3.4 Application for Endorsed NSC

If a learner has existing accommodations but continues to struggle significantly, they may apply for the Endorsed NSC. This is a lesser qualification (fewer credits, lower NQF level) involving 5 subjects instead of 7.

NeuroMe’s Role: Supply forms and due dates; submit the application as received from the parent.
Parent’s Role: Ensure the application is completed accurately and acknowledge that the Endorsed NSC is a different qualification level than the standard NSC and pay all relevant application fees to NeuroMe.
SACAI’s Role: Review the application and provide feedback in writing within 6 weeks.

4. Operational Implementation

Liability Disclaimer: NeuroMe acts only as an administrative facilitator. We take no responsibility for the outcome of applications, the validity of medical reports, or the accuracy of the information provided by the parent.

No Retrospective Rescheduling: NeuroMe is not liable for assessments or tasks written without accommodations while an application is pending. No assessments or tasks will be rescheduled due to an ongoing accommodation application process. Assessments or tasks completed while using accommodations not accompanied by a formal SACAI Letter of Approved Accommodations will receive 0%.

5. Types of Accommodations and Concessions

5.1 Additional Time:

A learner may be awarded additional time if they experience a barrier to learning that prevents them from completing tasks or examinations within the stipulated time. Extra time of 5, 10, or 15 minutes per hour may be granted, depending on the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: All subjects.
Venue: Both in-venue or separate venue.
Considerations: Learners do not have to make use of the full additional time period, but they must remain in the venue for at least the standard time set for the paper.
Parent costs: For the NSC examinations, the SACAI exam writing centre may invoice the parents for additional time used.

5.2 Handwriting Sticker:

This accommodation is approved when learners have illegible handwriting. A recent sample of the learner’s formal written work (not a draft or mind map) must be submitted for approval along with the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: In all grades, including the Grade 12 NSC examination, a handwriting sticker must be placed on the cover of every examination answer script.
Venue: In-venue use.
Cost: None.
Considerations: Writing in colour pens, pencils, or highlighters is not allowed for the NSC examination unless specified in the paper’s instructions.

5.3 Spelling Sticker:

This accommodation alerts a marker to the learner’s problem. A recent sample of formal written work and standardised assessment results are required for approval along with the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: The marker must ignore the spelling of words if they can be deciphered phonetically. This does not adapt the mark allocation.
Venue: In-venue use.
Cost: None.
Considerations: Spelling will count in the FET phase in Language Paper 1 (Language and Comprehension), where textual editing is examined.

5.4 Enlarged Print:

Provides exam papers with larger print (Arial 14, 18, or 24) or specific coloured paper which is the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: Assists learners with visual impairments.
Venue: In-venue use.
Cost: Cost for printing special exam papers.
Considerations: Not available for Geography maps; learners must use an adequate magnifying glass for map scales.

5.5 Rest Breaks:

For candidates unable to remain seated or continue writing due to physical conditions (e.g., chronic pain) or fatigue may be the educational psychologist’s recommendation or a medical doctor.

Learner use: Breaks of 5 or 10 minutes per hour to refresh. Learners are not obliged to use these if not needed on the day.
Venue: In-venue.
Cost: May require extra invigilator.
Considerations: Rest breaks may not be used as writing time, and learners may not interact with exam material during the break.

5.6 Glucose Monitoring Devices:

For candidates managing blood sugar levels via monitoring devices, need to be applied for with medical doctor’s diagnosis and recommendation.

Learner use: Alerts must be set to “vibrate only.” If sound is required, a separate venue is mandatory. Learners may consume small snacks/juices as needed.
Venue: If not in a separate venue, the learner may need to exit the hall under invigilator supervision.
Cost: Separate venue or invigilator costs.
Considerations: Food/beverages must be in clear, unmarked containers. Notify the invigilator before consuming.

5.7 Reader:

A designated person reads questions and instructions as directed by the learner.

Learner use: Any part of the paper or answers may be read upon request.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: Parent contracts and pays the Reader. SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Reader must be trained by SACAI, independent, and may not act as an invigilator.

5.8 Scribe:

A person who writes/types verbatim what the learner dictates.

Learner use: Scribe communicates only to request repetition or clarity. Learner may dictate notes/drafts.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: Parent contracts and pays the Scribe. SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Scribe must be trained by SACAI and independent. Not permitted for practical components of subjects like CAT.

5.9 Prompter:

Supports learners needing help to maintain focus (e.g., ADD/ADHD, Autism) according to the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: Uses verbal or physical cues to refocus the learner or remind them of time and/or numbering.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: Parent contracts and pays the Prompter. SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Must not compromise assessment integrity.

5.10 Personal Assistant:

Aids learners requiring assistance with physical tasks or personal care.

Learner use: May accompany the learner to the bathroom.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: Parent contracts and pays the Personal Assistant. SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Assistant remains to the side and acts only when guided by the learner.

5.11 Medical Food Intake:

Permits access to medication and food as needed during exams.

Learner use: Includes use of medical devices (oxygen, etc.).
Venue: May vary.
Cost: Varies by venue.
Considerations: Should be applied in conjunction with rest breaks.

5.12 Computer Use:

For learners who require a typed format rather than handwriting.

Learner use: Must be the primary means of writing daily. Learner must verify printed work at the end of the exam.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: SACAI centre invoices venue/invigilator.
Considerations: Only the application “NOTEPAD” is approved for NSC exams.

5.13 Use of a C-pen:

An electronic reader pen for visual impairments or reading disorders which is the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: Must be used daily for proficiency. Headphones are required if not in a separate venue.
Venue: Separate venue (unless using headphones).
Cost: Parent provides C-pen. SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Only C-pen is approved; voice-to-text/text-to-voice software is not currently approved for final NSC exams.

5.14 Use of Separate Venue:

An alternative environment away from the main centre according to the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: Utilised for learners who require a quiet space or whose accommodations (e.g., speaking aloud) would disturb others.
Venue: Separate venue.
Cost: SACAI centre invoices venue and invigilator.
Considerations: Must have its own approved invigilator.

5.15 Subject Exemptions:

Substitution of specific subjects (Languages or Mathematics) for promotion requirements.

Learner use: May enrol in alternative subjects (e.g., Mathematical Literacy in lieu of Maths; extra Group B subject in lieu of a language) when there is an educational psychologist’s recommendation.
Venue: N/A.
Considerations: No exemption is valid without SACAI approval. Parents/learners take full responsibility for required catch-up work for additional subjects taken in the place of the except subject(s).

5.16 Exempt from Orals:

Adaptation of oral activities (speeches, debates) into an alternative format (e.g., written) as the educational psychologist’s recommendation.

Learner use: Written text replaces the oral format while maintaining task structure/content.
Cost: None.
Considerations: The oral component is an NSC requirement; this accommodation ensures the component is completed and resulted through an adapted format.

5.17 Endorsed NSC:

An alternative qualification for learners with special needs.

Learner use: Completed in five subjects (3 from Group A, 2 from Group B) with a 30% achievement threshold.
Venue: N/A.
Cost: None.

Considerations: This is a lesser qualification than the standard NSC and is evaluated at a lower NQF level.

NeuroMe and SACAI reserve the right to audit any assessment where accommodations were used. If the accommodation was not applied in accordance with the formal SACAI letter, the script may be invalidated. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify NeuroMe immediately if the learner’s medical condition changes, as this may necessitate a review of the approved accommodations.

6. Implementation considerations

6.1 Conflict of Interest for Assistants:

The assistant may not be a family member of the learner.
They must be a competent adult (older than 18).
They must not be suffering from learning barriers themselves.
They must have no personal relationship with the learner (personal assistant excluded).
They have to be certified by SACAI.

6.2 Specific Roles and Documentation:

Recording Requirements: Separate venues for readers/scribes must be recorded , and the invigilator must ensure the recording device functions throughout the session.
Management of Errors: No “Tippex” may be used. If a mistake is made, a line must be drawn through it and marked “not to be marked”.
Handling of Planning/Rough Work: All scripts, including those used for planning or rough work, must be submitted at the end of the session, and work not to be marked must be clearly indicated.

6.3 Practical Limitations and Prohibitions:

Voice-to-Text & Software: Predictive text, grammar checks, spell checkers, and thesauruses must be disabled. Furthermore, voice-to-text software is generally not approved for final NSC exams.
Scribe Limitations: Scribes are not permitted to read parts of the paper to the learner.
Reader Limitations: Readers are not allowed to do other work while in the venue.

6.4 Administrative Procedures:

Communication: SACAI will not liaise with parents/guardians or other concerned parties; they only contract with the registered institution, NeuroMe. All communication with SACAI must flow through NeuroMe.
Irregularity Risks: Failure to adhere to these rules (such as appointing a non-compliant assistant) will be registered as an irregularity investigated by SACAI/Umalusi, which puts the learner’s results at risk.