The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) says it provided special assessment arrangements for 3,444 candidates with visual impairments and other special needs during the 2025 examination sittings.

The figures were announced by CXC’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr Wayne Wesley, at a press conference in Kingston on Wednesday.

He said the measures reflected the council’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring all candidates are able to participate fairly in examinations.

Dr Wesley also said CXC is advocating for the adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Marrakesh Treaty across the Caribbean.

The treaty aims to improve access to learning materials for people who are visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.

Speaking at a recent regional WIPO workshop, Dr Wesley said CXC would work with ministries of education throughout the region to support the treaty’s implementation.

He added that the council would continue to review its approaches and use of technology to improve accessibility in future examinations.

Dr Wesley said widening access for candidates with disabilities formed part of CXC’s wider responsibility to the region, alongside improving services and supporting stakeholders in the aftermath of disasters.