Supporting World Braille Day

Published: Tuesday 4 Jan 2022

Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols. The Braille alphabet uses six dots arranged in a rectangle, three dots high and two across. It’s based on a tactile military code called night writing developed to help the French army communicate at night without light source.

In the world of exams World Braille day recognises the importance of ensuring that blind and partially sighted students have accessibility and independence. In a typical Summer series, AQA receives about 650 orders for Braille assessments for about 100 candidates.

The pandemic has highlighted the need for inclusion and the support of those with disabilities. Over the last two years there’s been high demand for our past papers and assessment material in Braille so that students can continue to work independently and achieve their potential.

Sue Barnbrook, AQA’s Special Requirements Manager, said:

“AQA has been providing Braille exam papers for over 25 years and supports about 100 Braille users with exam material each year.

“Many students who sit our exams in Braille go onto higher education and have had successful careers such as lawyers, radio presenters and MPs.”

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