Defining reasonable accommodations

In providing reasonable accommodation(s) EPSO aims to ensure that candidates with disabilities and specific needs can compete on an equal basis with other candidates. Providing such adjustments aims at removing potential obstacles presented by an individual’s disability or medical condition, without modifying the nature or level of the skill or competency that is being assessed.

The ‘EPSO Accessibility team’ has experience in defining reasonable accommodations and is responsible for analysing each individual request on a case-by-case basis. This exercise comprises the following main elements:

• The request for adjustments in the selection tests introduced by candidates via the information form on specific needs due to a disability or a medical condition.
• A good understanding of the nature and extent of the candidate’s functional limitations in the selection context.
• Supporting documents from qualified professionals and/or national authorities (e.g., disability certificates, medical certificates, specialist reports);
• EPSO’s expertise in reasonable accommodations.
• Type of tests and media used (e.g., computer-based, pen and paper).
• The adaptation of tests (e.g., derogation from abstract reasoning skills tests for visually impaired candidates).
• Type of output expected (e.g., answers to a multiple-choice questionnaire, essay type).
• Type of actions necessary to indicate the correct answers (e.g. clicking, typing, handwriting, speaking, interacting).
• Any other relevant information.