As Christine says, evidence required unless it is clearly obvious. (But
even long term or short term condition cannot always be determined from
casual observation or from what the student tells you). There is no
case law yet, but lawyers who have looked at the issue say that that if
a student has declared to someone in the institution then the
institution knows about the matter and will be dealt with appropriately
for the rest of their time at the institution. This is where academics
need to advised that they MUST contact Student Support/ Disability
Support if a disability is disclosed to them and the student has not
insisted that the matter be confidential. But even then the tutor
should advise the student to contact the Disability Officer or similar.
In order to ensure consistency and equity in the support students
receive any support provisions should be assessed and dealt with by the
Student Support Dept / Disability Officer, where necessary in
consultation with the academic department, rather than individual
academics making it up as they go along.
Bryan Jones,
Manager, Disability Support Services
& North London Regional Access Centre,
Middlesex University
Tel: 020 8411 5366
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan, Brigid
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: 'evidence'
Thanks Christine yep, I am talking about an unseen disability
............ I agree with all you have said and yes, I nearly said what
you said at the end and thought, if I do,.....I just know I'm going to
wish I hadn't said that. :)
***********************************************************
Brigid Callaghan
Senior Disability Adviser
Student Services
University of Bolton
Deane Rd
Bolton
BL3 5AB
[log in to unmask]
To make an appointment: 01204 903733.
Direct line: 01204 903803
Minicom: 01204 903490
P. Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save
the planet.
***********************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Quinn, Christine
Sent: 30 May 2007 15:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: 'evidence'
Hi all,
My view on this would be that evidence IS needed where a need is not
obvious. The SLC and LEAs are quite sure that if we want to help the
student access additional resources, evidence is needed. From a
philosophical point of view, if we don't have evidence, how can be sure
we know? (I just know I'm going to wish I hadn't said that...... )
Chris
________________________________
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan, Brigid
Sent: 30 May 2007 15:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 'evidence'
Hello,
1) When a student declares a disability to your disability team, do
you ask for 'evidence' of the disability? i.e. doctors letter,
consultants letter, Ed Psych report etc? Here and at my previous
institution we did, I can't see how we couldn't - can you?
2) If a student declares to an academic dept - NOT the disability
team, and for some reason this does not get through to the disability
team by any route, should the student show the academic dept 'evidence'
? - I understand that we have a duty to support a student with a
disability once they have declared to someone in the institution, it's
just this issue about academic depts and 'evidence'.
The DRC can not give me a definite answer on this second point. They
say there is nothing in the legislation about producing 'evidence'.
They say the student must fall under the definition of a person who is
disabled under the DDA which as we know is The Act defines a disabled
person as a person with 'a physical or mental impairment which has a
substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out
normal day-to-day activities'
However in order to 'prove' that they 'fit' under this definition, would
some evidence not have to be produced to the academic dept?
What are you thoughts?
Brigid
***********************************************************
Brigid Callaghan
Senior Disability Adviser
Student Services
University of Bolton
Deane Rd
Bolton
BL3 5AB
[log in to unmask]
To make an appointment: 01204 903733.
Direct line: 01204 903803
Minicom: 01204 903490
P. Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save
the planet.
***********************************************************
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