A High School Student with a Visual Impairment Takes the National University Entrance Exam Using Their Daily Learning Environment: ICT-Based Reasonable Accommodations Demonstrated in the Common Test

LoiLo, Inc. announces a case in which a student with a visual impairment (hereinafter referred to as 'the student') was permitted to use the company's learning support application 'LoiLoNote School' (hereinafter 'LoiLoNote') during the National Center Test for University Admissions (hereinafter 'the Common Test'). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of LoiLoNote being approved for use in the Common Test.

This case does not represent a policy change but was granted based on an individual request for testing accommodations. We are publishing this case as a reference for future examination practices and discussions on reasonable accommodations, demonstrating how students can continue using their daily ICT learning environment during high-stakes exams.

How the Student's Use of LoiLoNote in the Common Test Was Realized

The student was diagnosed with Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (Leber's disease) in the spring of their second year of high school.

This condition, caused by mitochondrial gene mutations, leads to progressive vision loss and central visual field defects in both eyes within weeks to months after onset. Initially affecting one eye, the condition gradually progressed to both eyes, making it difficult for the student to study using printed materials by summer.

In the summer of their third year, the student submitted a 'Request for Testing Accommodations' to the Japan Center for Educational Measurement (JCEM). Upon consultation from the student, LoiLo provided JCEM with a free verification account and explained the app's security requirements. After review, JCEM approved the use of LoiLoNote during the Common Test.

The student had previously used LoiLoNote for learning by receiving class materials from teachers and, during self-study, by photographing test papers, converting them into PDF cards, and expanding the margins to create answer spaces alongside the questions on the same screen. Incorrect answers were reviewed by attaching relevant textbook pages as cards, enabling centralized management of study materials within LoiLoNote.

On the day of the Common Test in January 2026, the student used LoiLoNote on an offline tablet provided for the exam, taking notes on question cards just as they did during regular study sessions. The app's feature that maintains pen stroke thickness even when zooming allowed clear writing without distortion, supporting the student despite reduced vision. A scribe filled in the answer sheet, enabling the student to reflect afterward, 'I was able to solve the problems just like I always do.'

After the Common Test, the student applied for accommodations in individual university entrance exams and was permitted to use LoiLoNote in multiple exams, with only a few exceptions. The student subsequently gained admission to several universities and began university life in April 2026. They continue to use LoiLoNote personally.

The Common Test provides individualized accommodations for examinees with disabilities or health conditions. For the use of ICT tools or tablet devices, prior consultation is required when submitting an accommodation request. Such consultations are accepted year-round; details for the Reiwa 9 academic year are available via the link below.

※ Reference: Testing Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities or Health Conditions – Reiwa 9 National Center Test for University Admissions

The student's parent commented: 'Being able to take the exam in a familiar environment made a big difference. I hope other students facing similar challenges learn that accommodation requests are an available option.'

We believe this case demonstrates the potential for reasonable accommodations in university entrance exams, made possible through collaboration among stakeholders while maintaining exam fairness. For inquiries regarding ICT-based reasonable accommodations, please contact us via the official website below.

LoiLoNote School Official Website: https://n.loilo.tv/ja/contact

※ The student and their family are published anonymously at their request. University and high school names are also withheld.

Company Overview

LoiLo Inc. (headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) operates under the mission 'Connecting people's imagination to creation,' developing and providing intuitive software for users of all ages. Since its 2014 launch, the classroom support app 'LoiLoNote School' has been adopted by over 14,000 schools and approximately 3 million users worldwide. With diverse features, the platform aims to cultivate 'thinking, judgment, and expression skills,' envisioning a more creative future for school education. https://loilo.inc/ja/

About LoiLoNote School

LoiLoNote School※ is a collaborative learning and classroom support platform usable across all subjects from elementary to university levels. With unlimited storage, it enables recording of learning materials and thinking processes, nurturing students' 'ability to think' and 'ability to learn.' Features include material sharing, assignment management, deep learning with thinking tools, collaborative editing with cross-referencing, auto-graded tests, and AI-powered high-precision web filtering. The multi-platform solution supports both 'personalized learning' and 'collaborative learning' while reducing teachers' workloads. Used by approximately 14,000 schools and 3 million users globally. For more information, visit the website.

https://n.loilo.tv/ja

※ LoiLoNote is a trademark of LoiLo Inc.