Hi Ian,
Perhaps we should ask ourselves first if this is an issue which is
exclusive to the V.I. Sector?
That said, I have lost count of the times we have spoken to students -
before the summer holidays - who hope to be going on to F.E., University
or whatever. We have stressed the need to get their DSA application
moving with their L.A.. Even though they may not have a place, we
suggest they at least get the forms and supplier quotes together.
And then late September, all hell breaks loose with demands that
equipment MUST BE SUPPLIED BY 4TH OCTOBER, or such like.
As far as we can tell, the reasons for delays falls into two categories.
1) The student is to blame in failing to apply in timely fashion.
2) The LEA's Grants department have had "Holiday Fever", resulting in a
back log.
We find the third reason, "I didn't know about the DSA!" to be rather a
weak excuse. Don't they talk to other students, advisors, and such
like?
George Bell
Techno-Vision Systems Ltd
> Personally, I'd be happy to participate in any discussions on
> how we can promote participation in HE for blind/partially
> sighted students. Late DSA applications can be disastrous. A
> national campaign (e.g. by RNIB) in FE Colleges to alert
> students to the need to start arranging their DSA assessment
> early and making contact with Disability Advisers could help maybe.
>
> Ian Francis
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