In response to Paddy, I think it is important to distinguish between those instances where the disability itself makes it difficult for the student to organise their time and make use of service, and those instances of simple lack of courtesy.

I wonder how many students would suddenly and mysteriously find they had sharper memories if they knew they would have to pay for a non-show!!

Keith Silvester

-----Original Message-----
From: Turner, Paddy [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 May 2003 14:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: payment for missed DSA tutorials


Hmmm an interesting debate, but not one which I believe is thinking clearly about equality of opportunity and discrimination. This seems to
me to be more about saving a few quid.
A hearing student doesn't have to take on any additional responsibility for attending lectures/tutorials and will not be penalised for
missing them (except by their academic tutor). The interpreter is there in order to ensure access and is the students right. Deaf students
should not be penalised by the inadequacies of a system that has yet to catch up with their rights.
By threatening financial penalties for failing to turn up I would argue that there may be a case for discrimination!
Dyslexia tutorials are slightly different, but are also there as part of a package of support that the student has a right to. If financial
penalties are threatened for a student whose disability may involve memory difficulties, organisational difficulties and who may be working
twice as hard to achieve the same ends than other students and who may wake up one morning to find that attending a tutorial that day will
be a step too far, then either they will refuse the support in the first place or could argue that they are being discriminated against as a
result of their disability.
I would be interested to hear how this position could legitimately be countered.

Paddy Turner
Disability Support Manager
Sheffield Hallam University


-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Silvester [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 May 2003 14:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: payment for missed DSA tutorials


Well, I think it's appropriate to charge the student.  I find the increasing tendency to miss appointments is a real pain.  Services for
which the student doesn't have to pick up the tab are very prone to being misused.  It is best to set such contractual terms out on paper
before the support sessions begin.  Legitimate reasons for non-show aside, I'm all for toughening up the system on this.

Keith Silvester

-----Original Message-----
From: Alison James [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 May 2003 13:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: payment for missed DSA tutorials


Dear all

I wonder if any of you are facing the same thorny issue as we are - concerning charging for missed dyslexia support sessions?  We provide
in-house dyslexia support through tutors who are periodically 'left in the lurch' by students, even though our learning support agreements
flag up acceptable notice periods and tutors are vigilant with reminders.

We also issue progress reports to LEAs, signed by tutor and student detailing the support received and when.  Recently an LEA has informed
us that since one of these sessions was a late cancellation (which we felt should be charged for in fairness to the tutor who had waited in
vain for the student) they would not pay for such sessions in future and it would need to be charged directly to the student. We have sought
advice from the DfES but have not found any clear guidance.

Are other colleagues facing similar situations, and what sort of solutions have been found?

I'd be very glad to know!

Alison James
Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator
Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College
Falkner Road
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7DS

Tel:  01252 892762