Hello

I actually think Surya makes a valid point and also one that is constructive. Do we not all have a right to contribute, whatever our opinion??

Imogen Bowers

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Hill [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 11 June 2004 11:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: What qualifies as a disability?


Hi

It is unfortunate that the presence of the bod on a 'soapbox' can so
easily intimidate others who might have a useful - constructive -
contribution to make.

Still - it takes all sorts!

Regards

Peter Hill

Jameson,JM wrote:

> Oh dear.  And I thought this list was an informal opportunity for all
> colleagues to quickly sound each other out in a non-judgemental,
> tolerant, empathetic way.
>
> -----Original Message----- From:   Surya Shaffi
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent:   10 June 2004 15:45 To:
> [log in to unmask] Subject:        What qualifies as a
> disability?
>
> Am I missing something, or what exactly gives any of us the right to
> make a judgment as to what does/does not qualify as 'a disability'
> for an individual? Surely, if an individual has a physiological or
> sensory or learning impairment that creates barriers for him/her, and
> that makes him/her the potential target for discriminatory attitudes
> and practices as a result of that impairment, then that individual
> has the right to identify himself/herself as disabled?
>
> I don't think that the "I know one like that too" scenarios we've
> been hearing about is a valid means of legitimising an individual's
> right to identify themselves as a disabled person. This is also
> reverting to a medicalising approach to disability we've been
> striving for so long to get away from.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Surya
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jameson,JM"
> <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent:
> Thursday, June 10, 2004 2:24 PM Subject: Re: What qualifies as a
> disability?
>
>
> We have had two cases of this, this year and in each case, the
> student has been happy to take the exam in a smaller room with rest
> breaks and the understanding that they would either bring in a small
> hand towel or box of large tissues to cope as they usually do but
> without being quizzed about it.
>
> -----Original Message----- From:   David Pollak
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent:   10 June 2004 14:00 To:
> [log in to unmask] Subject:        Re: What qualifies as a
> disability?
>
> I also know of a person with this. It is very disabling when it's
> bad, and stress makes it worse. The operation is quite invasive, has
> side effects itself, and is not all that sure of success I thought.
>
> I would say this is definitely a case for a scribe, although as I
> don't deal with DSA applications, I have no experience to quote.
>
> David Pollak De Montfort University
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Quinn, Christine
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 10 June 2004 13:51 To:
> [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: What qualifies as a disability?
>
>
> I have dealt with several cases such as this.  No DSA, but we
> provided absorbant paper during exams for the student to keep drying
> their hands.
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for disabled
> students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Katy Mann Sent: 10 June 2004 22:33 To:
> [log in to unmask] Subject: What qualifies as a disability?
>
>
> I'm wondering if anybody has come across this before. A student has
> just contacted me saying she thinks she has a disability as she has
> hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on her hands and feet) which makes
> writing difficult.
>
> She claims that she can't take medication for this because of the
> side effects and there is no operation for it. I know this is not the
> case as there is an operation which is usually 98% effective on
> curing the problem, at least on the hands.
>
> On the basis of this condition does anyone think she would be
> eligible for the DSA. My feeling it that it is highly unlikely, and,
> even if it were, apart from the recommendation for pens with rubber
> grips on them, any technical equipment is unlikely to be of any use
> as if the problem is that bad she could end up short circuiting it!
>
> In terms of any in house support that we have available, again, I
> don't think anything would be of particular benefit apart from
> perhaps the provision of a Scribe in exams but I think that even this
> in circumspect.
>
> While I recognise that it is an unpleasant condition to have to live
> with my feeling is that she is chancing her arm..or am I just too
> cynical...
>
> I would be very interested to hear what other people think.
>
> Katy
>
>
>

--
Peter Hill
01905 391547
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www.study-pro.com