Hi there
Whilst I was at Brighton & Hove LEA Student Support, I agreed payment for a
3 wheeled scooter with special suspension for a student suffering from
chronic pain. She needed to take taxis everywhere, but ultimately had to
stop because getting in and out of the taxis was so problematic. I felt
very strongly that this was genuinely the only way that the student could
continue her studies, and that the £2,300 was money well spent.
Regards
Sebastian Beaumont
Disability & Dyslexia Team
University of Brighton
The Manor House
Moulsecoomb Place
Brighton
BN2 4GA
01273 643 523
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-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Catriona Mowat
Sent: 12 January 2005 15:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: FW: Scooters & electric wheelchairs
Hi Eleanor,
I successfully argued for a scooter for a student a few years ago.
It was not easy, and I don't think the funding body ever did accept the
grounds on which I argued it was DSA eligible, but I think finally accepted
that the student was being disadvantaged.
Payment was finally made on the basis that it was exceptional, a one-off and
I was advised that it would not happen again. I have a suspicion it was paid
from equipment. In hindsight, it would have been more appropriate that it be
paid from NMH.
Needless to say, I would argue for a scooter again, in the same
circumstances. It was only for use on campus, it was CONSIDERABLY cheaper
than paying for a support worker and it provided the student with
independence. It has been invaluable to the student, and their ability to
access the campus and their classes, and they would not have been able to
continue without it.
I do not believe that there are any prescribed items which are specifically
excluded from DSA claims. There are probably circumstances in which even a
car would be a DSA-eligible item for a particular student in a particular
situation!
Catriona Mowat
University of Stirling
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Peter Hill
Sent: 12 January 2005 15:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: FW: Scooters & electric wheelchairs
Hi
No - nothing with a battery. However, I have successfully recommended a
three-wheeled bicycle for a PhD student. He had difficulties walking from
his office to his accommodation and taxi fares for the relatively short
journey were prohibitive by comparison. The student has since contacted the
access centre to say how pleased he is with the freedom it has provided. He
uses it between flat and campus, around campus and for trips to the Uni
library. It was a fairly pricey piece of kit (£650 inc
VAT) - but I'm satisfied that the expense was fully justified. As I recall,
I included it under 'equipment' - but suspect that it might also fit under
'travel' as a substitute for taxi fares.
BTW I did have one student who requested a car! However, that's another
story.
Regards
Peter Hill
(CATER)
Eleanor Moseley wrote:
>
>Hello,
>
>I know there has been discussion in the past as to whether scooters and
electric wheelchairs can be funded through the DSA. If anybody has been
successful, have you justified it out of the travel allowance so as not to
use up all the equipment allowance? The equipment is specifically for
transport around campus.
>
>Thanks
>
>Eleanor Moseley
>University of Plymouth
>
>
>
>
>
>
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