6.15 The pupil must be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with non-disabled pupils. In most cases, this will be obvious. Example: A visually impaired who can see material only in 16pt font or larger will be at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled pupils if materials are provided in smaller print. 6.16 In other cases, it will not be so obvious, but it will be no less a substantial disadvantage. Example: A pupil with chronic fatigue syndrome finds it harder to concentrate in lessons in the afternoon as a result of an increase in her tiredness. What does the duty cover? 6.17 The phrases criterion and practice’ and aids ‘provision, ‘auxiliary and services’ are not defined in the Act. The duty in relation to provisions, criteria and practices covers the way in a school operates on a daily basis, including its decisions and actions. Example: A school uniform policy would fall within this element of the reasonable adjustments duty and a school may be required to make adjustments to this policy for disabled pupils with an allergy to synthetic materials who need to wear cotton clothing. 6.18 The duty in relation to the provision of auxiliary aids and services generally means anything that constitutes additional support or assistance for a disabled pupil, such as a piece of equipment or support from a member of staff. Example: Providing a pupil who is a wheelchair user with a support assistant to push him or her around school would be an auxiliary service. Providing a step so that a pupil with restricted growth syndrome can reach the desks in the science lab would be an example of providing an auxiliary aid.
6.15 The pupil must be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with non-disabled pupils. In most cases, this will be obvious. Example: A visually impaired who can see material only in 16pt font or larger will be at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled pupils if materials are provided in smaller print. 6.16 In other cases, it will not be so obvious, but it will be no less a substantial disadvantage. Example: A pupil with chronic fatigue syndrome finds it harder to concentrate in lessons in the afternoon as a result of an increase in her tiredness. What does the duty cover? 6.17 The phrases ‘provision, criterion and practice’ and ‘auxiliary aids and services’ are not defined in the Act. The duty in relation to provisions, criteria and practices covers the way in a school operates on a daily basis, including its decisions and actions. Example: A school uniform policy would fall within this element of the reasonable adjustments duty and a school may be required to make adjustments to this policy for disabled pupils with an allergy to synthetic materials who need to wear cotton clothing. 6.18 The duty in relation to the provision of auxiliary aids and services generally means anything that constitutes additional support or assistance for a disabled pupil, such as a piece of equipment or support from a member of staff. Example: Providing a pupil who is a wheelchair user with a support assistant to push him or her around school would be an auxiliary service. Providing a step so that a pupil with restricted growth syndrome can reach the desks in the science lab would be an example of providing an auxiliary aid.