There is a discrepancy in VCAA’s Special Examination Arrangements for dyscalculia compared to other learning disabilities. Currently, students with dyslexia and dysgraphia are eligible for several exam accommodations such as extra working time, the use of assistive technology (e.g., text-to-voice software, electronic readers), a reader, scribe, etc. 

However, students with dyscalculia are only granted extra working time, despite their disability significantly impacting their ability to comprehend numbers and basic numerical operations. The absence of access to assistive technology such as a non-scientific calculator and other relevant supports places dyscalculic students at a distinct disadvantage compared to their peers, and even compared to peers with other specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia).

This discrepancy is of concern as students with a learning disability in mathematics are no less impacted than those with dyslexia or dysgraphia. Education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Ensuring appropriate support for students with dyscalculia helps students to demonstrate their true abilities. Without reasonable accommodations, students may experience increased anxiety and reduced self-esteem, which, along with insufficient disability accommodations, are known contributors to school can't (formerly "school refusal"). Further, inaccessible assessments can limit students’ Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores, which can reasonably affect their opportunities for tertiary education.

By reviewing its approach to supporting students with dyscalculia, VCAA has the opportunity to foster a more equitable and inclusive assessment system that upholds the rights of all learners. We urge VCAA to align its policies for dyscalculia with those for other learning disabilities and consider providing students with dyscalculia access to assistive technology such as a non-scientific calculator and other relevant supports.

This petition is for community members (students, parents, educators) and other health professionals to show their support for this recommendation. Below are a list of psychologists working in Victoria who have signed a letter to VCAA to accompany this petition.

Marie Camin
Annelil Desille
Naomi Castelan
Zoe Smith
Holly Melrose
Shiu Sum Chan
Nellie Abdou
Sandhya Menon
Bianca Comfort
Skye Dyer
Sharen Hok Lun Lui