Children, Children!!
Surely the point at issue is whether or not the student can provide
diagnostic evidence which is sufficient to back up a request for
adjustments to their curriculum or provision of academic support
(we specify that this is required in the university regulations which
means there is no confusion). Presenting a sheaf of theory is not
evidence of a personal medical condition or disability.
We had a case a couple of years ago with a student from overseas
who wanted support claiming dyslexia but with no EP report. So
we arranged a screening which was negative, but there were other
unaccountable traits which we followed up. It turned out that the
student was actually receiving treatment in their home country for a
rare condition similar to ME/chronic fatigue syndrome.
The student gave me the contact details for the neurologist who
was treating her and I spoke to the consultant who explained the
symptoms to me and provided a short letter. I followed this up with
a bit of research using a medical dictionary. The end result was
that the student got extra time in exams (which was really what it
was all about).
The point I'm making is that if the student hasn't got any diagnostic
evidence then a bit of detective work might be useful or as
somebody else said - find a more enlightened doctor. After all
there is no rule that says students must register with the University
doctor is there?
On 30 Jan 2003, at 12:27, BRYAN JONES wrote:
Priority: normal
Date sent: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 12:27:31 +0000
Send reply to: "Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff." <[log in to unmask]>
From: BRYAN JONES <[log in to unmask]>
Organization: Middlesex University
Subject: Re: Time for a little controversy
To: [log in to unmask]
Are asking because, as an expert in psychology you dispute the
existence of dyslexia, as in addition your medical background
leads you to doubt that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has any
physical manifestations?
On 30 Jan 03, at 11:12, Skeates,St.John DEAL Awards T wrote:
> Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome set to become the 'new' Dyslexia?
>
> Discuss
>
> St.John Skeates
> Awards Section
> Bedfordshire County Council
> Direct Line 01234 718744
>
> Addendum
>
> Thinking (though not necessarily advocating) along the lines of:
>
> Increasing number of cases
> Difficulty/controversy regarding diagnosis
> High level of IT support recommended
> Impact of disability focussed on study rather than everyday life
> "Fashionable" among certain socio-economic groups Perceived as a
> middle class disability
>
> ********************************************************************
> * This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
> intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
> are addressed.
>
> If you receive this e-mail by mistake, please advise the sender
> immediately by using the reply facility in your e-mail software.
> Please also destroy and delete the message from your computer.
>
> Any modification of the contents of this e-mail is strictly
> prohibited unless expressly authorised by the sender.
> ********************************************************************
> *
Bryan Jones
Disability Support Services Manager
Tel: 020 8411 5367
Gillian Malins
Disabilities Adviser
|