At the initial assessment, the student himself could not really make any
justification, but said that he could provide medical evidence that could.
The GP has not indicated in his letter that the student has any mobility
difficulties or any further complications related to his diabetes, such as a
visual impairment. What the GP letter does say is that the student requires
a PC because the computing centres are located one mile away from the halls
of residence, which suggests to me that it would be convenient for the
student to have a PC at home. The GP also stated the need for the student to
eat regularly, and this will not be possible if he is unable to work from
home. It is a tricky one!
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Penny Georgiou
Sent: 28 October 2004 11:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DSA for students with diabetes
What reason is the student giving for needing the PC?
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Sidery
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2004 12:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DSA for students with diabetes
Surely this goes against the ethos of the whole principle of the
Disabled Student Allowance which is there to provide equipment without
which a student would be unable to complete their studies. As such,
the student him/herself should be able to articulate how a specific
piece of equipment they 'need' would fulfil that criteria. If the reason
they give is directly related to relieving some incapacity caused by the
disability, then that's fine, but if not, the answer can only be 'no'.
Something has gone wrong if it comes to the Assessor having to 'wrack
their brains' trying to come up with a reason that would be acceptable
to the LEA.
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Trott
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 9:27 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DSA for students with diabetes
You will be lucky if the LEA accepts a food allowance. a local LEA told
me that when they checked the guidance it said that there was no case to
make that a student incurred extra expense on food when at university
compared to when at home. Fridges are accepted. As you are no doubt
aware, no student is automatically 'entitled' to anything from the DSA.
I'm racking my brains to think of a situation arising from diabetes that
would warrant a PC unless the condition has resulted in restricted
mobility. Obviously this is not the case or you would have mentioned it.
Mick Trott
In a message dated 27/10/04 16:39:44 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask]
writes:
<<
Has anyone encountered a student with diabetes receiving a PC through
DSA? I have recommended a food allowance and/or a fridge for students
with diabetes in the past, but never a PC. I have recently come into
contact with a student who believes he is entitled to a PC because he
has diabetes. He has provided his ELB with a GP's letter backing him up.
However, the ELB have refused to give him the PC because I did not
recommend it, and even now, I feel that I cannot justify why he would
require one for reasons relating to his disability.
any feedback would be much appreciated.
thanks
Karen Hedley >>
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