With NAPLAN time approaching, it’s normal for questions and concerns to start popping up. For some families, those concerns relate to accessibility and how the test environment will work for their child.
The good news is that NAPLAN includes a range of accessibility adjustments designed to support every child.
It’s important to talk with your child’s school about accessibility adjustments as early as possible. Teachers and schools work closely with parents and carers to understand each child’s needs and determine which supports are appropriate. Where possible, these supports are discussed and documented as part of your child’s existing learning and support planning at school.
In some cases, certain adjustments or assistive technologies require formal approval from the relevant testing authority. Your child’s school can guide you through this process if needed.
Online Assessment
While there are many formal adjustments available, the online NAPLAN format also includes built-in features designed to automatically support your child compared to paper-based testing.
Some of the features available in the online format include:
- Questions delivered with or without audio prompts, depending on the test
- On-screen numeracy tools such as a ruler, protractor, or calculator (where allowed)
- A magnification tool to zoom in on text or images
- A progress summary at the end of each test section
NAPLAN also uses tailored testing via the online format. This means the test adjusts in difficulty based on how your child responds, helping to provide questions that are better matched to their level.
NAPLAN Adjustments for Students with Disability
For most students, NAPLAN is completed online, with many built-in adjustments already available. However, for some children, the online format may not be accessible. In these cases, alternative formats such as braille or large print tests can be used.
Accessibility adjustments are designed to help your child access and participate in NAPLAN. Your child may use one or more adjustments, and these may vary across different NAPLAN tests depending on their needs.
Adjustments used during NAPLAN are generally consistent with the types of support your child already receives for learning and assessments at school. This helps keep the experience familiar and aligned with their existing support plan that is used in the classroom day to day.
NAPLAN Colour Themes and Screen Options
NAPLAN’s online tests include a range of colour and display options to help your child complete the test more comfortably. Some children find certain colour combinations easier on their eyes, particularly when reading on a screen.
The available colour themes include:
- Black text on a white background
- Black text on a blue background
- Black text on a lilac background
- Black text on a green background
- Black text on a yellow background
In some cases, the test can also be displayed with a black background and white text. Due to technical reasons, this setting must be arranged and approved by the school in advance.
Electronic (PDF) Test Formats
In some situations, NAPLAN may be delivered in an electronic PDF format instead of the standard online or paper test. This version is accessed on a device and allows your child to select answers or type responses on screen.
This format is typically used when a child already relies on assistive technology, such as a computer, during everyday classroom assessments and cannot access the test using other available adjustments.
Electronic PDF tests are approved only for children with a physical or vision impairment. Your child’s school can help determine whether this option may be appropriate.
Paper and Alternative Test Formats
Online testing may not be the best fit for every child. If online testing isn’t accessible for your child, NAPLAN can be provided in alternative formats such as paper tests (including large print) and braille.
If you think one of these formats may work better for your child, it’s important to speak with the school early, as these arrangements need to be organised in advance.
If you’re unsure whether your child will be comfortable using the online format, exploring the NAPLAN public demonstration site can be a helpful first step. Trying the practice tools allows you to see how your child interacts with the test environment and whether additional support may be needed.
NAPLAN Support Person
For some children, a NAPLAN support person can be provided during the reading, conventions of language, and numeracy tests. This support is intended to mirror the help your child already receives during the school day, rather than introducing something new and unfamiliar to them on test day.
If your child usually receives extra support, their school will aim to provide similar support during NAPLAN. However, it’s important to note that there are limits on what support is permitted during the test.
The support person is organised by the school and is typically a teacher or, where possible, someone who regularly supports your child’s learning.
Clear guidelines outline what a NAPLAN support person can and cannot assist with. If some classroom supports are not permitted during NAPLAN, extra time and other considerations may be provided to help your child adjust to the testing conditions.
If you believe your child may benefit from a NAPLAN support person, speak with the school early so it can be organised ahead of time.
Scribe
In addition to a NAPLAN support person for reading, conventions of language, and numeracy, some children may be eligible to use a scribe during the writing test.
A scribe’s role is different from that of a support person. In some cases, the same individual may perform both roles, but a scribe must meet specific requirements. This includes prior experience working as a scribe, understanding and following NAPLAN’s guidelines, and being officially and regularly engaged by a school.
Access to a scribe is available only for children who meet specific eligibility criteria. If you think your child may require a scribe, speak with the school early so that arrangements are made in advance.
Assistive Technology
If your child regularly uses assistive technology in the classroom, they may also be able to use it during NAPLAN, as long as it is compatible with the test format. However, not all assistive technology can be used in the NAPLAN environment, and approval is not automatic.
Your child’s school will need to check that any technology being used meets the requirements set out by NAPLAN and is suitable for the testing conditions.
It can also be helpful to give your child the opportunity to practise using their device on the NAPLAN public demonstration website beforehand. This allows them to become familiar with how the test works on screen and helps identify any potential issues well before test day.
Extra Time and Rest Breaks
Some children, including those who use braille, may be provided with extra time to complete their NAPLAN tests. The amount of additional time is arranged by the school in line with NAPLAN guidelines, based on what best supports your child.
Rest breaks are also available and can help prevent your child from becoming overly tired or overwhelmed. In some situations, rest breaks may be used instead of additional time, depending on what best suits your child’s needs.
If you feel your child may benefit from extra time or rest breaks, it’s a good idea to speak with the school early so arrangements can be planned ahead of testing.
Looking for more information?
If you’d like to explore accessibility adjustments in more detail, ACARA provides helpful resources for families.
You can view example adjustment scenarios here.
ACARA has also developed short videos featuring families and teachers discussing how NAPLAN can be adjusted to support children with disabilities. These may be helpful if you’d like to see real examples of how adjustments work in practice:
- NAPLAN: accessibility (6 min 23s) | transcript (PDF 92 KB)
- NAPLAN: physical adjustments (4 min 15s) | transcript (PDF 85 KB)
- NAPLAN: cognitive adjustments (4 min) | transcript (PDF 85 KB)
- NAPLAN: sensory adjustments (4 min 10s) | transcript (PDF 84 KB)
- NAPLAN: social/emotional adjustments (4 min 34s) | transcript (PDF 89 KB)
Further Support
NAPLAN accessibility adjustments are there to ensure your child can participate fairly and confidently. If you’re unsure what support might be appropriate, starting a conversation with the school early can make the process feel much more manageable.
If your child would benefit from extra support in the lead-up to NAPLAN, Kinetic Education can also help. We assess where your child is feeling confident and where they may need additional support, then create a personalised learning plan aligned with the Australian Curriculum. With short, structured lessons and tutor guidance, your child can build confidence with the types of skills and question formats they’ll see in NAPLAN, without feeling overwhelmed.