Mary,
I suggest that a good starting point for developing a clear policy on
confidentiality would by the DRC draft Code of Practice Post 16, points 6.18
to 6.20:
Confidentiality and reasonable steps
6.18 A disabled person has a right to request that the existence or nature
of his or her disability be treated as confidential. [s 28T(3) and (5)] In
determining whether it is reasonable to make an adjustment the responsible
body must have regard to the extent that making the adjustment is consistent
with a disabled person’s request for confidentiality. [s 28T(4)]
6.19 In some instances this might mean that reasonable adjustments have to
be provided in an alternative way in order to ensure confidentiality.
Example 6.19A
A student with a visual impairment can only read clearly if he has text
enlarged into 16-point type. He is very embarrassed by his disability and
has requested strict confidentiality. Normally his tutors would give a
visually impaired student large print handouts at the beginning of each
class. However, because he has requested confidentiality, they agree to give
him his handouts in advance so that he can look at them before the lesson
but does not have to be seen reading them during the class.
6.20 In some cases a confidentiality request might mean that a less
satisfactory reasonable adjustment is provided or that no reasonable
adjustment can be provided.
Example 6.20A
A student with AIDS is on a Chemical Engineering course. He does not want
other students to know of his condition. His condition means that he
sometimes needs to have time off. His tutors have offered to arrange extra
time in the laboratory for him after hours to make up for the time he
misses. However, he has refused this on grounds of confidentiality. Instead
they offer to provide him with extra lecture notes. Although this adjustment
is less effective, it is likely to be lawful.
All this and much more (ie the full Code of Practice Post 16, in a selection
of formats) at
http://www.drc-gb.org/drc/InformationAndLegislation/Page34A.asp
best wishes
Debbie Gibberd
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Mary Norowzian
Sent: 02 July 2001 15:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: confidentiality
Hello all,
Over the summer I am hoping to develop some confidentiality
guidelines for our university re students with disabilities. If any
universities have already produced such guidelines I would be very
grateful for a copy!
Please send to the adress below and thank you in advance.
Wishing you all a good summer
Mary
M.Norowzian
Disability Coordinator
Kingston University
email [log in to unmask]
020 8547 7902
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