Essential texts is obviously a confusing term. It also seems to me that
purchasing a book that, as Catherine suggest, the university considers most
students will only need for 2 to 24 hours is not a responsible use of public
funds even if the student in question will need it for 2 or even 10 times
longer.
How much can a student without any disability be expected to read and absorb
in 2 hours? or even 24 with lectures to attend?
It would seem that photocopying/scanning etc would be more appropriate and
that the amount of text involved would fall within the legal limit?
Mick Trott
In a message dated 23/07/02 11:25:19 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< Quote from DfES, earlier this year, on matter of Book Allowances for
dyslexic students:
"...It is necessary to demonstrate that the student's disability
necessitates additional expenditure on course books. ... Dyslexic students
are unable to make equal use of their institution's library facilities when
books are only available on short-term loan for the reasons cited by CG
(see below)... In such cases we agree that a payment could be made from the
DSA to purchase these books...
CG's comments: <Most dyslexic students take much longer than the average to
absorb information from texts and find it necessary to buy books from which
they will work at their own speed..> and <...because they need to mark and
refer at length to the contents. The majority of non-disabled students do
not buy books because they can use the library effectively. The purpose of
a book allowance therefore is to make them on an equal par with other
students...> and <With the newer degree structure, a module only lasts 10
weeks and then the subject is generally not studied again, so that the
concept of a "text" book is perhaps somewhat outdated. Essential texts are
intended more as something to refer to briefly for one course, and then
move on to a new module with new texts - hence the reason why these books
are placed on short loan for students to refer to during the short period
of the particular course>
It is my understanding that the word "Essential" in relation to texts,
means essential reading not essential purchase, hence the concept of books
on short loan (ie sometimes only 2hours, more often 24hours), so that they
are made available to as wide an audience as possible.
Catherine
>Why would essential texts be paid for out of DSA when they are required
>purchases by all students irrespective of disability. It's always been on
>underpinning principle of DSA that needs must arise from both the
>disability and attendance on a course in order to qualify for support. >>
|