Dear All,
I knew my observations would upset some people.
For those that are concerned about "Casual Slurs" those that know me recognise that I am more blunt than that. I am not prone to making casual slurs - always outright statements!.
As with all forms of funding DSA & Access to Work etc etc. is open to abuse and interpretation. I am concerned that by only seeing negatives we are all closing our eyes to the exploitation of systems that I ; and I suspect the rest of those that have contributed to the thread, know to go on. It is largely because of this exploitation that the rules are being interpreted in a more draconian manner and those that are really deserving are being denied proper support because of lack of funds.
As intermediaries in the process of administering part of these funds we must accept some responsibility for the use and abuse of the system. Only by being circumspect and professional in our actions and not simply rubber stamping requests and expectations will we ever be able to establish general agreement in the levels of support that are reasonable and justified. Loading individuals with expensive technology etc is no solution. Address the individuals need not the disability. Look to long term solutions not quick fixes, which are usually more easilly identified but more expensive. When the indifvidual gets out into the work- place the technology does not always allow them to function effectively making them more vulnerable as employees and human beings.
I have spent most of my long working life supporting the underdog in one way or another and in that time I have learned one overwhelming truth. Things rarely improve because the law says that it must improve. The law only provides a base line, it is the ordinary man and woman in the street that makes it work, if they are not on your side for the right reasons then things will drag on with no positive outcome. By people seeing or perceiving any group, for whatever reason, demanding money and special conditions, crying foul at every opportunity then they will not come to their support. There are many examples of this through history, we should learn from them and look to the changes and standards I (and many others involved in the service) hope to see.
I will now drop the subject and try and find the routes home all these people take who's cars are full of cash, gold and diamonds and try and relieve them of their burdens - to distribute amongst the needy of course.
Terry Hart
-----Original Message-----
From: disforum [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wed 17/12/2003 15:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: DSAs & DLA (mobility)
Hello again
When a person is assessed for DLA it is their living needs like going for hospital appointments, shopping, leisure, etc that are considered (I know you all know that) and people are awarded DLA on this basis, so in theory it is unlikely that they would actually have spare money to pay for travel to study. And even if they did it would be difficult to prove.
It's not really a 'cash cow' situation to expect the DSA to then pay for the extra costs that arise from entering education - that's what they are there for.
Anyway, I have placed below the response I have had from the DfES student support department:
-----Original Message-----
From: dfes.gsi.gov.uk
Sent: 17 December 2003 14:17
To: Deepika Juneja
Subject: RE: DSA travel
Dee
I've had a chat with my colleagues about this one and we have agreed that it would be impractical to ask LEAs to investigate whether a student's DLA mobility component was being used to cover travel costs to the HEI. We would therefore recommend that DLA mobility component should, like the notional travel element of the student loan, be disregarded when an LEA is working out DSA travel costs.
- end of message -
Regards
Dee Juneja
Information and Research Worker
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW
Main line: 020 7450 0620 (voice/text) Fax: 020 7450 0650
Information Service: 0800 328 5050 (voice), 0800 068 2422 (text)
Monday - Thursday 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.skill.org.uk
Support Skill as you shop on line at www.ushopugive.com
Skill is a registered charity no. 801971 and a company limited by guarantee no. 2397897
Promoting equality in education, work based learning and employment for disabled people.
_______________________________________
We are committed to providing a free information service but answering 7,000+ enquiries a year does not come cheap. If you can support our work by becoming a member or making a donation please contact us. You can call us on 020 7450 0620 or email us at [log in to unmask]
For more information you can visit our website at www.skill.org.uk.
Of course, if you are already a member please accept our thanks. You make this possible.
|