Hi David
(copy sent to Disforum)
With respect - I'd be wary of suggesting that this book is some sort of definitive guide. I
very much doubt if it is (I confess that I have not yet seen a copy).
You mentioned 'surprising omissions'. Perhaps there are good reasons for these. I
remember being approached by the publishers when I was at UCW - my line manager
and I had some concerns about the project, including cost to the Institution and cost to
the student. An omission from this book certainly should not imply that provision at the
HEI is in any way suspect.
Re: The Uni of Buckingham's:
'The university will be under no
> obligation to make specific provision for students who declare or have their
> needs identified at a later date'. [[p 49].
Although the Disability Discrimination Act will 'overrule' this, I can think of ways in which
such a statement (or at least a near variant) could be reasonable in certain contexts
(context being the important word!). Also - perhaps the information is already out of
date?
The best way for students to get information about an HEI's provision is to contact the
HEI and ask them for the latest copy of their Disability Statement (usually available on
the HEI's web pages). This has the advantage of being up-to-date and free of charge.
If there are still questions about provision, contact the HEI and ask to speak to a
disability officer.
Regards
Peter Hill
> For information
>
>
> Trotman & Co have justed published The disabled students' guide to
> university.
>
> ISBN 0 -85660 -704 - 5 priced at £14.95. www.careers-portal.co.uk
>
>
> There is a personal interest for me in that the editor, Emma Caprez, is a
> student I
> taught at university, and I also worked with her on a research project after
> she graduated.
>
>
> This book serves a wider function than perhaps the publishers realise.
>
>
> For intending students it provides a breakdown of facilities across
> universities and colleges. For example, if you want to know which
> instituitons provide specialist software for students with dyslexia/visual
> impairments, or which provide induction loops, it is very easy to find this
> information. [Note that this section is based on information submitted by
> institutions so there are some surprising ommissions].
>
>
> Another section, the longest by far, lists institutions alphabetically and
> this information has been gleaned from disabilities statements,
> prospectuses, ect. This provides fasinating reading.
>
>
> For example, Brunel University provides an 80 page Disability Statement [a
> handbook] which contains a welcome from the VC and much more. [NB It really
> is excellent - I've seen a copy]. You can then turn straight to the
> University of Buckingham and read that 'The university will be under no
> obligation to make specific provision for students who declare or have their
> needs identified at a later date'. [[p 49].
>
>
>
> It is this comparison across institutions that will enable DO's and others
> to better press the case for improvements in facilities within their own
> institutions. It is also helpful to have quotations from QAA reports re:
> disability supoort [e.g. The University of Sunderland - very positive and
> detailed. For example you learn that they offer a dyslexia module called
> 'Get Sussed']
>
>
> I would suggest that it can help with staff development by enabling staff to
> identify institutions they would like to learn from, and whom to contact to
> arrange a visit. I have learnt so much from visiting different institutions
> and see this as probably the most effective form of staff development.
>
>
> There are also some good case histories told in the words of students
> themselves.
>
>
> £14.95 is a good investment. A braille version is available.
>
> And well done Emma.
>
> David
>
>
> David Grant, PhD., Chartered Psychologist
> dyslexia diagnosis - a specialist service for students
> 3 Rosebank Road
> Hanwell
> London W7 2EW
>
> Tel: 020 8579 1902
>
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
>
Peter Hill
[log in to unmask]
01527 500324 or 07751 792711
Dyslexia Consultancy and Resources
http://www.study-pro.com
|