Catherine,
I imagine the caginess of some LEAs may be due to the lack of clarity on
what constitutes an 'essential' text for a student. In the context of the
open University we generally do not agree paying for essential texts as they
are provided with the course. However, if a student can demonstrate a need
to purchase additional texts for marking up (as clearly we wouldn't want to
encourage them to mark up Library books), that are not provided with the
course, which is the case with some project courses, we will approve and
have done so. This is because the student has been obliged to purchase them
(rather than borrow them) because of their SLD to successfully complete the
course. One has to watch 'the thin edge of the wedge' syndrome- I currently
have another appeal where we will not approve the purchase of £277 worth of
books - but we are looking at this particular case at the moment.
Steve
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Unit Info [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 18 July 2002 14:15
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Fees
>
> I would like to lend support to what Kath and Steve say, because I find
> the
> LEA's I have had had personal contact with, on behalf of dyslexic
> students,
> respond positively to clarification of an individual's case.
>
> One point of contention however and apparent lack of overall agreement
> between LEA's and the DfES, seems to be the awarding or not of a book
> allowance for dyslexic students. Most LEA's award book allowances for
> "essential texts" but not all; some have been persuaded to change their
> minds; some have not! I continue to argue the case on an individual basis
> as the need arises, and when necessary, enclose a useful copy of a letter
> from the DfES that supports my reasons!
>
> Catherine
> DU
> UWB
>
>
>
> >Yes, we do "use our discretion" when we're in possession of the facts.
> >Although there is a tendency to think that LEA officers come from another
> >planet, we don't actually have strong psychic powers.
> >
> >Surely it would be better for there to be stronger channels of
> >communication between disability officers, assessors and LEA officers,
> >instead of this barrier that seems to lead to the suggestion of
> >bureaucratic appeals and judicial reviews at every verse end. The people
> >that lose out from this are, inevitably, the disabled students we're all
> >supposed to be trying to support.
> >
> >I'll get off my soap box now
> >
> >Kath
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