I think many people in the FE sector would give you an argument
Barry. Although one can always find examples where someone
may have been failed by any system, FE colleges, many of them
specialising in disability, provide good support and nurture and
support their students through their courses (perhaps too much in
some cases) so that they are able to access HE. Whether they
succeed at the HE level could well depend on the fact that they
were perhaps over supported at the FE level and not prepared for
the realities of independent study at HE.
The answer isn't always down to a failing system and staff/
managment not being committed doing their jobs enthusiastically.
On 27 Feb 03, at 8:30, Barry Farleigh wrote:
> Having reviewed the governments proposals 'The Future of Higher
> Education' and observed the select committees meeting yesterday at the
> House of Commons - I am very concerned as for example chapter 6 'The
> Future of Higher Education' covers Fair Access. As I observed no
> reference to disabled students - fair access.
>
> Before disabled students can access Higher Education and DSA's they
> have to overcome the barriers of lack of adequate financial and
> support needs on the way to HE and many never make it into HE and
> that's not fair access.
>
> As the National Union of Students - Students with Disabilities Officer
> I want to put representations to the Government for disabled students
> with regard to fair access to HE.
>
> If anyone feels they could offer me help and assistance with case
> studies of disabled students who due to lack of support in FE are
> dropping out not due to lack of academic ability but the system
> currently in place. Also disabled students who make it to H.E. but
> then don't enjoy or survive H.E. and leave with no degree. Could you
> please email me off page on [log in to unmask] - please.
>
> My (NUS) specific disabled student response to the Governments
> proposals has to be submitted by 12.3.2003.
>
> Thanks in anticipation
>
> Barry
> NUS - SWD Officer
>
Bryan Jones
Disability Support Services Manager
Tel: 020 8411 5367
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