Ian,
Thank you for putting me right on that. Also I didn't realize that you were
a joint supplier rep otherwise I would have included you in my initial
message.
I will address your second paragraph in another message which will be in
response to Bryan's message to me.
Pat, Chair of ASASA, I am copying this message to ASASA as I think it is
important to keep this thread cross forum. I hope that is OK, but if you as
chair would like me to stop copying in ASASA then of course I will.
Alex
Alex Larg
[log in to unmask]
07931 561 877 or 07916 175 077
Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
Freelance study needs assessor
Former Disability Officer
On 23/3/07 17:41, "Ian Litterick" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Alex
> FWIW, as a matter of minor factual accuracy, we have not been audited yet We
> volunteered and it was scheduled but unfortunately Karen got the flu so had to
> postpone.
>
> I have confidence that the QAG process is addressing your issues -- and not
> just with suppliers -- in a methodical and sustainable fashion. Everything
> will not come right overnight and QAG is still learning and finding new issues
> and new answers. But it is getting there.
>
> Ian Litterick
> Executive Chairman (and the other supplier rep on DSA QAG)
> www.iansyst.co.uk
> www.dyslexic.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of alex larg
> Sent: 23 March 2007 02:27
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [DIS-FORUM] Computer suppliers
>
> Nasser (re your message below following mine) and all,
>
> Often disabled students, in my experience, have been through an awful lot to
> get to where they are now; disbelieved, conveniently ignored, unrecognized as
> neurologically different, struggling but succeeding, battling for their rights
> and still not getting an accessible education. They are then encumbered by
> DSA, the additional needs assessments after diagnosis, continuing exacerbating
> stress (or CES), the need to consider learning new and more
> productive/sustainable strategies, management of support workers (although
> maybe not for much longer), confidentiality issues and additional, well..
> additional additional that non-disabled students don't have to deal with. A
> level playing field?
>
> I think some suppliers might say that students have unrealistic expectations.
> I think that the students expectations are what they are and that is fine and
> how it should be. The students are forced, almost, to buy a premium service
> from suppliers and so they should have the best possible service at all points
> along the way - pre-sale, on delivery, in training (with a trainer of their
> choice) and then for the remainder of their course If they donšt get that they
> should be able to complain but where can they really go that is my
> question. I am raising this on their behalf and NOT pointing fingers - I
> purely mentioned three suppliers (Microlink, Iansyst and Avantek) who I think
> have been audited - that's all. I know there are other paid up (or not)
> DSA-QAG suppliers out there too.
>
> I'm just raising questions, debating and trying to gather evidence for
> positive service development. That is also why I requested suppliers be
> informed of this in my initial message (via yourself) - to be open. I hope
> nobody objects to that.
>
> Alex
>
> Alex Larg
> [log in to unmask]
> 07931 561 877 or 07916 175 077
> Freelance and Independent Assistive Technology Trainer Freelance study needs
> assessor Former Disability Officer
>
>
>
>
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nasser
>> Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:22 PM
>
>>
>> I will naturally be happy to send this message to the supplier's forum
>> as this affects all of us. I think in gathering such information it
>> would be extremely important for you to collate the data from both
>> sides of the fence as I am certain every supplier will contest the
>> version of the truth told by the students.
>>
>> I hope the purpose of this exercise is to improve the quality of the
>> service and this can only be achieved by active participation of
>> suppliers and having the opportunity to reply to any unpleasant
>> accusations they may be facing from a dissatisfied student complaining
>> to their respective assessor/LEA/DO
>>
>>
>> Best wishes
>>
>> Nasser Siabi
>> Managing Director
>> Microlink PC (UK) Ltd
>> Direct: 02380 240 316
>> Mobile: 07870603128
>>
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>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of alex larg
>> Sent: 22 March 2007 14:12
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Computer suppliers
>>
>> Dear Colleagues
>>
>> I have worked as an AT Trainer, assessor and Disability Officer for
>> around 10 years now. Over that time I have worked with hundreds of
>> students and some of them seem to have been supplied with unsuitable
>> computer hardware. This may be due to assessors not recommending
>> appropriate kit: we all make mistakes - I have made and learnt from
>> many myself, but this is not my concern here.
>>
>> It may, however, be due to the suppliers not providing adequate
>> machines and/or not providing good and accessible follow up support to
>> their clients.
>>
>> DSA-QAG has been set up, at virtually no cost I believe, to... Well
>> I'm not sure what for, but the point is they have introduced a service
>> level agreement (SLA) for suppliers who also have to pay for the
>> privilege of supplying equipment as a percentage of their turnover.
>> (I'm sure I will be kindly corrected for my incorrect facts within
>> this paragraph by
>> colleagues.)
>>
>> My point, when I eventually get there, is that DSA-QAG SLA, is
>> dentally challenged, i.e. there is/are no teeth, or at least none that
>> I am able to find. (see above.)
>>
>> What I would ask of you is to ask your colleagues and students for
>> their feedback of experiences with suppliers such as Microlink,
>> Iansyst, Avantek and other DSA suppliers as I wish to collate some
>> information for evidence to take to DSA- QAG / DfES, as I fear from my
>> experience some students may be receiving a less that satisfactory service.
>>
>> Of course positive feedback is welcome, but I have to be more
>> concerned with the less satisfactory side of the service too.
>>
>> I am sending this message cross-forum, and so apologies for those
>> receiving this a number of times.
>>
>> I also ask Nasser at Microlink, in his position as representative for
>> suppliers and tier discussion group, to circulate this message on
>> their list.
>>
>> Please pass this onto any other appropriate lists so we can obtain as
>> wide feedback as possible. I am in the process of rejoining NADP (if
>> they will have me) and so this has not gone to that list. Maybe
>> someone at NADP could pass it on if that is deemed appropriate.
>>
>> I know that suppliers generally ask clients for feedback, but I feel
>> that system may be slightly compromised and I don't know whether that
>> information is published anywhere.
>>
>>
>> Please contact me off-list with your replies.
>>
>> Thanks for you time.
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Alex
>>
>> Alex Larg
>> Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer Freelance study needs assessor
>> Former Disability Officer
>>
>>
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