Terms of Reference (ToR) For Developing a Policy Brief on Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR)

For Developing a Policy Brief on Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal

A Model Framework and Best Practices for Inclusive Education

1. Background

Nepal has made significant strides toward inclusive education, as reflected in its commitments under the Constitution of Nepal, the Disability Rights Act (2017), and international obligations such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). These frameworks emphasize the right of all learners, including those who are blind or have low vision, to participate equally in education, including assessment systems.

However, despite these commitments, the current examination system in Nepal remains largely non-inclusive. At present, visually impaired students are primarily allowed to participate in examinations through the writing assistant (scribe) system. Other accessible modalities—such as Braille-based assessments, oral examinations, screen-reader-compatible computer-based exams, or tactile graphics—are not yet officially endorsed or institutionalized.

Since 2020, the National Examination Board (NEB) has taken a positive step by introducing alternative text-based questions in place of pictorial questions in a few subjects at the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) level. Nevertheless, this provision has not been scaled up to other assessments, such as internal school examinations, basic level exams, or Grade 12 board exams. This inconsistency continues to limit the full participation of blind and low-vision students across the education system.

The lack of accessible and inclusive assessment mechanisms undermines the performance and learning outcomes of students with visual impairments. Without suitable alternatives, these students are assessed in ways that do not reflect their actual capabilities, knowledge, or skills—resulting in systemic discrimination.

In this context, this Policy Brief aims to document global and national best practices in blind-friendly assessments, present a model framework based on universal design and inclusive education principles, and offer clear policy recommendations to guide education authorities in Nepal. The brief will serve as an advocacy tool for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders to engage decision-makers such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), CEHRD, CDC, and NEB in reforming the current examination and assessment system to make it fully inclusive and equitable.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive Policy Brief on Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal that promotes equitable learning outcomes for students who are blind or have low vision.

Specific objectives include:

• To document global and national best practices on inclusive and blind-friendly assessment systems.
• To analyze the gaps and barriers in Nepal’s current assessment practices affecting visually impaired learners.
• To propose a practical, contextually appropriate model framework for blind-friendly assessment aligned with the principles of inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• To develop a concise, evidence-based, and solution-oriented policy brief that outlines actionable recommendations for government agencies, particularly NEB, CEHRD, CDC, MOEST and local governments. 
• To equip advocacy organizations with a strategic tool for influencing policy reform and implementation around accessible and inclusive assessments in Nepal.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant or firm will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant policies, curricula, examination guidelines, and national and international frameworks related to inclusive education and assessment.
• Identify and synthesize global and regional best practices in blind-friendly and accessible assessment systems.
• Review local practices implemented by schools, NGOs, and pilot projects in Nepal that demonstrate elements of inclusive or adapted assessment.
• Analyze the barriers faced by visually impaired students in Nepal’s existing examination systems at various levels (school-based exams, SEE, and Grade 12 exams).
• Develop a model framework for blind-friendly assessment suitable for adoption within Nepal’s education system, with practical and scalable components.
• Draft a policy brief that is persuasive, accessible, and well-structured, addressing: Overview of the current challenges; Best practices (global and national); Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy messages.
• Draft a 2-page advocacy summary brief for use with decision-makers and media.
• Incorporate feedback from a validation workshop with key stakeholders and finalize the brief accordingly.

4. Key Deliverables

Inception Report

• Draft Policy Brief: Including Executive summary; Background and key challenges; Global and national best practices; Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Final Policy Brief (in Nepali language): Professionally edited and designed for dissemination.
• Advocacy Summary Brief (1–2 pages): A condensed version for use with policymakers, media, and education stakeholders.

5. Timeline

The total duration of the assignment is expected between 12-15 days. The assignment will immediately be started and completed by the end of June. 2025.

6. Required Qualifications

• Proven expertise in inclusive education, disability rights, or education policy development.
• Experience producing high-quality policy briefs or advocacy publications.
• Familiarity with assessment design, curriculum adaptation, or Universal Design for Learning.
• Strong research, writing, and stakeholder consultation skills.
• Understanding of the national education system and disability context in Nepal.
• Proficiency in English (and preferably Nepali).

7. Application Procedure

Interested individuals or firms should submit:

• A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology
• A financial proposal (with detailed breakdown)
• CVs of consultant(s) or team profile with relevant experience
• Sample of similar previous work (policy brief, framework, or guideline)

Applications should be sent to procurement@byanepal.org by 23rd May 2025 with the subject line: “Application for Policy Brief – Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal”.

BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants.

This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.