Inclusive education is not just a buzzword. It is about giving every learner the chance to succeed, no matter their challenges. For thousands of children across South Africa, reading and writing barriers can turn the classroom into a place of stress instead of growth.
This is where Exam Portal is making a real difference. By giving learners access to powerful, multilingual assistive tools, it is changing how schools approach inclusion and how learners experience education.
Why inclusion matters more than ever
Despite policy commitments to inclusive education, the reality in many schools is tough. Large classes, limited resources and not enough time for one-on-one support mean learners with dyslexia, motor difficulties, or language processing challenges often get left behind.
Traditionally, schools relied on human readers and scribes, but this comes with stigma, privacy concerns and huge logistical headaches. Learners often feel singled out, and teachers are stretched thin.
And the problem is bigger than just special accommodations. A recent report from the IOL Cape Argus (September 2025) revealed that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa struggle with reading comprehension.
That is not only learners with diagnosed barriers. That is the majority of learners. It is a crisis that shows just how urgently we need scalable, innovative solutions.
How Exam Portal works
Exam Portal was built for South African schools, with learners’ dignity and independence in mind. It is a secure, exam-safe eReader and assistive platform that helps learners with reading and writing barriers access content fairly and confidently.
Key features include:
- Text-to-speech in all 11 official languages
- Secure lockdown mode to prevent cheating during exams
- Typing and speech-to-text for learners who struggle with handwriting
- Replay controls, highlighting and adjustable reading speeds for better comprehension
- A simple, Word-like answering interface without unfair spellcheck or grammar prompts
- Cloud or offline options, so schools with or without internet can benefit
Why it matters for learners
- Boosts comprehension – Learners can listen to content in the language they understand best.
- Levels the playing field – Writing challenges no longer stop learners from showing what they know.
- Protects dignity – No need for separate rooms, human readers or scribes. Learners use the same tech as their peers.
What schools are seeing
Schools using Exam Portal are reporting:
- Learners who feel more confident and independent
- Teachers who spend less time organising accommodations
- A smoother, fairer exam process for everyone
And because learners can use Exam Portal all year round for practice and revision, they are more comfortable and less anxious when it comes time for formal exams.
Looking Ahead
Inclusive education in South Africa needs more than policies. It needs practical tools. Exam Portal is helping to close the gap by making assistive technology accessible, multilingual and exam-ready.
The reading crisis will not be solved overnight, but with the right support learners can thrive. Exam Portal proves that when learners are given the right tools, their abilities, not their barriers, define their future.