In response to the message left on Disforum by Mick Trott
 From:          Michael Trott <[log in to unmask]>

I was interested to read the move by some of the LEA's re getting
multiple quotes. This LEA was the first I had come across in a very
long time and we deal with a reasonable amount of LEA's as a major
Access Centre.  I do hope that this is not a growing trend as it is a
classic waste of our time as assessors and it invariably leaves the
student with a second rate solution.

 Certainly the majority of LEA's in the South West have  adopted a
policy where they order direct from their prefered supplier, thereby
reducing wasted effort whilst giving an improved service.   My
understanding of the new system that is being introduced is that
there will be an agreed list of suppliers and only one quote will be
required, reflecting the sort of trend seen here in the South West.

Whatever method is imposed we need to spend more time providing good
working solutions than chasing our tails trying to find the bargain
of the month. As has been said many times before on DISFORUM there is
more to providing technology than securing a discount system, it is
essential for the supplier to understand the special needs of the
disabled user and be able to provide a whole package of
specialist technology, software and support. The suppliers who give
the lowest quote either do not survive in business for very long or
they are in a market place where profit is made by volume sales not
an overall specialist service. A " NEVER MIND THE QUALITY FEEL THE
WIDTH" policy is surely one we should all be avoiding if we are
to give the levels of service required and now expected.

I am now off my soap box and will not write on the subject again,
unless provoked.
Terry Hart