Dear all

The MMM 'Models Methods and Materials' project did put together a
checklist.  It's just to find out general information so students can
make more informed choices.  But if there are students with particular
requirements the process tends to be very personal anyway, with Academic
Support staff going to the institution and helping to ensure that
reasonable adjustments are put in place. 

 I haven't attached the checklist as I know some list members don't like
large attachments, but let me know if you would like a copy. 

I know there is the central HEAG site where all universities could put
info.  I'm not sure why that hasn't been more useful.

Lara Morgan

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan, Brigid
Sent: 19 June 2007 09:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Study Abroad Guidance

Hi Clare, 

This is just an impossible situation. What are we  supposed to do when
it is our responsibility to make sure overseas institutions make
reasonable adjustments which, as you say, don't have any or little
disability legislation and can just say 'no we cannot or will not make
adjustments'?!  I don't know if you have had many off list responses,
but I would be very interested in other people's views on this - would
you forward them to me or would people reply to the list.   

The checklist  might be a good idea but would have to be adapted for
every student, which wouldn't be difficult. It would be a good starting
point. Has anyone sent you such a checklist - could you forward to the
whole list if so?   I would think that having a disclaimer such as the
one suggested is probably discriminatory - what do you think?   I think
I read somewhere (can't remember where) that if partner institutions are
failing to make adjustments then the home university should consider
whether to continue their partnership with that institution. I am sure
that would open a massive can of worms though. I would be interested to
know which subject the student is studying and the reasons etc the
department give for not considering an alternative way of meeting the
learning outcomes.  Sorry this probably isn't helpful - more of a
supportive rant I'm afraid! :)

Best wishes, 

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. 
***********************************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Claire Shanks
Sent: 18 June 2007 10:50
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Study Abroad Guidance

Dear All,

I have a query about disabled students studying abroad and in this
particular case, a hearing impaired student studying in Japan.  The
difficulty we have had is that a list of this student' support needs
were sent to the partner Japanese Universities and all said that they
could not support this student even with financial support through DSA.

Eventually, an academic tutor visited a Japanese university who with
some persuasion, eventually agreed to accept this student.  It is very
difficult working with partner institutions where there is no or very
little disability legislation.

The academic department are concerned that this issue could arise again
and would like to produce some guidance on study year abroad for
disabled students.  They would like to produce a check-list to send to
partner university's to identify what support they can offer disabled
students, e,g, access into buildings, support workers, etc.  Does anyone
have a similar checklist which they use to send to partner university's
abroad?

The department would also like to consider adding a disclaimer to the
prospectus and department handbook that makes it clear to disabled
students, that although a place may be offered, the department may be
unable to find them a suitable university for their study year abroad
and the student may have to consider transferring to another course.  
What are your thoughts on this?  The department have been asked if there
are any alternative ways in meeting the learning outcomes and
unfortunately, they have said this is not possible.

Any advice or guidelines would be very much appreciated.  Thank you for
your help with this query.

With best wishes
Claire

-- 



Disability Coordinator
Disability and Dyslexia Support Service
The Hillsborough Centre
Alfred Denny Building
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN

Tel:  0114 222 1371
Fax:  0114 222 1373

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