[senco-forum] JCQ and gel pens (was: Exam Access Arrangements)

Is the ink in a 'Gel' pen the same as in a roller ball?  I'm not sure
whether these two types of pen are the same or different as most
manufacturers now appear to make both. If they are different there isn't a
problem as roller ball pens overcome the difficulties those of us face who
can't use a ball point. (I can't write with a ball point because I'm left
handed and the angle is wrong.)
Chris
Secondary SENCO

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Olanys at aol.com
Sent: 03 September 2006 21:18
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] JCQ and gel pens (was: Exam Access Arrangements)

Hi David, 

Please do pursue this matter. You may want to include along the lines of
the 
following in your reply.

"This is  not the case since the Disability
Discrimination Act is in place to  allow candidates to access the
examination without gaining an unfair  advantage."

I hardly think gel pens are an unfair advantage, though by preventing those

who need them for ease of writing, this is indeed discriminatory and placing

them at a disadvantage.

"For example, if a candidate has problems using a pen they may apply to use

a scribe to
record their answers. 

Having been a scribe I know this takes practice for the pupil and to
dictate 
to someone unfamilair "cold" would again put them at a distinct  
disadvantage...and there would be no guarantee all that need gel pens would
qualify for a 
scribe anyway; they may have problems with a normal pen but that  is why gel

pens are so useful!.  

Best wishes,
Aly

Chair Auditory  Processing Disorder in the UK/APDUK
www.lacewingmultimedia.com/APD.htm 
www.apduk.org