Apply in advance for disability accommodations in China's university entrance examination
Eligible candidates can request Braille or large-print papers, exemption from foreign-language listening, accessible rooms and seating, permitted assistive equipment, and extra time. These arrangements are not automatic. Apply through the province with a second-generation or later disability certificate. A provincial education review route is available if you disagree with the decision.
What it takes
No application fee stated. Submit a written request by the provincial deadline and attend the required assessment.
What you may gain
Article 5 of the national examination rules lists twelve reasonable accommodations. These include Braille, large-print, or ordinary papers for visually impaired candidates; foreign-language listening exemption for hearing-impaired candidates; Braille styluses, writing boards, typewriters without storage, electronic magnifiers without storage, white canes, and optical magnifiers; hearing aids and cochlear implants; and wheelchairs, walking aids, or necessary special desks and chairs. Braille-paper users receive 50% additional time. Visually impaired candidates using large-print or ordinary papers and candidates with particular writing difficulties from cerebral palsy, other upper-limb impairment, or absent upper limbs receive 30% extra time. Other measures include priority entry, separate standardized rooms, guides, and sign-language interpreters. Article 7 requires a formal written application at the time, place, and by the method set by the provincial examination authority, with a second-generation or later certificate. An expert group confirms needs in person and evaluates them, and the authority issues a written decision. Article 8 permits written review requests to the provincial education department. Article 9 calculates the foreign-language score after listening exemption as written-test score × full subject maximum ÷ written-section maximum. Article 18 permits reference to these rules for other national education examinations. The measures took effect April 7, 2017.
Context & considerations
Deadlines appear in each province's annual admissions procedures. Check during the first term of the final school year rather than risking a missed deadline. Other national examinations, including postgraduate and adult admissions, may use corresponding accommodations under Article 18. School admission rights are in entry 14. You or your child may benefit.
Research & references
Ministry of Education and China Disabled Persons' Federation (2017). Administrative provisions for disabled candidates in the national university entrance examination, Jiaoxue [2017] No. 4, Articles 5, 7, 8, 9, and 18. http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2017-04/12/content_5650060.htm