Hi
Ian Webb wrote:
> Quoting Peter Hill <[log in to unmask]>:
>
>
>>As a Needs Assessor, when I recommend funding for Internet access, it's
>>usually £180 - £200 per year. I know we're talking about taxpayers'
>>money here - but it seems a bit mean to split it in half!
>
>
>
> Way back in the mists of time an exercise was conducted to see what could be
> seen as a reasonable cost for a student with special needs in accessing the
> internet; for example where they had to meet additional costs due to the additional
> time taken to read a web page or conduct research. At this time if the student had
> access to the internet it was most likely to be through a pay as you go
> arrangement and the costs were quite high.
>
> It is for this reason that so many students were awarded costs as high as £80.
> Now with most students signing up to broadband there will be no additional costs
> as they have access 24/7. Now don't all shout at once I am not saying that a
> student should not have access to the internet paid for from the DSA I am just
> saying that, an assessor has to be very clear that access to the internet is an
> essential part of the course and that it is for this reason only that costs are to be
> met through the DSA.
>
I'd argue that if internet access IS an essential part of the course,
then costs should NOT be met via DSA - as access would not then be a
disability related extra cost. Perhaps that is what you meant to say.
> I am also aware that costs have fallen dramatically over the last decade and with
> costs being as low as £8.50 per month allowing costs of £200 seems a little
> excessive. Costs when this high usually include TV access and telephone calls,
> not sure that the DSA should be used this way.
>
> All the best
>
> Ian
>
There are indeed some cheaper providers these days. However, the
majority seem to cost around the £15 per month mark. Of course, funding
should not be used to pay for TV access and telephone calls - and I'd
expect the student's LEA to require evidence of expenditure. I'll stay
with the £180 for the time being. I know many other assessors recommend
similar amounts. However, I acknowledge that recommendations do need
to be subject to regular review.
Regards
Peter
--
Peter J Hill
Tel: 01905 391 547
Mobile: 07751 792711
Email: [log in to unmask]
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