Nothing is EVER that clearly stated in the regs :)

However, as the implementation of DSA support is largely at the LEA's
discretion and subject to each individual LEA's interpretation of the
regs, they are (legally) entitled to request a report from an Access
Centre for any or all support paid for out of DSA. In fact here at
Bedford, we only except recommendations from Access Centres following an
assessment of needs irrespective of whether it is for Internet access,
computer equipment, specialist tuition etc etc. Yes, I know it is an
unpopular policy in some quarters but we still find it is the only way to
maintain a (relatively) consistent approach.

And now time to be even more unpopular.................

On the subject of providing Internet access, we will not usually fund it
for a dyslexic student unless there are exceptional circumstances despite
the fact it may be (and frequently is) recommended by an Access Centre.
Our reasoning is that alternative support such as book and photocopying
allowances, OCR, extended library loans etc should address the needs of a
dyslexic student without the need to provide Internet Access. The
provision of a PC at home should also allow a student to focus the
limited time they may have available on University PC's for Internet
research if necessary.  Once again, it must be remember that DSA is there
to supplement academic support - not replace it. It is even possible to
reason that Internet access is no longer a need arising from the
disability, as it appears increasingly to be an essential tool for ALL
student's. We do, however, always provide an Internet ready PC and have
no objections to a student funding the actual connection themselves.

Having said all that, we do not object to providing Internet access to
students who have restricted mobility in any way. Clearly in such cases,
access to library facilities may be severely limited and therefore an
alternative must be provided.

I'm off to put on my asbestos long-johns :)

St.John Skeates
Awards Section
Bedfordshire County Council

 -----Original Message-----
From:   Dowling, Claire [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Friday, June 01, 2001 2:24 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]; Skeates,St.John DEAL Awards Tm
Subject:        DSA & internet access



I have been informed by a couple of LEA's that they are unable to accept
a
recommendation from a University for a student to have internet line
rental
paid for out of DSA. The student has to be assessed by an access center.
They are agreeing to other equipment etc recommended by the University
Adviser i.e. me.
I have been told that the regulations clearly state that for internet
access
to be considered the student must have had an access center assessment.
Can any one put some clarity on this, as I am a bit confused that other
recommendations can be considered but not this.
Regards
Claire Dowling
Student Services
University of Teesside
Borough Road
Middlesbrough
TS1 3BA

Phone: 01642 342285
Fax: 01642 342289

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