Dear Colleague, 

The price war is a false one and can easily be resolved with some sensible efforts in the direction of educational efficacy and professionalism. 

There has been a marketing drive in recent years aiming to replace face to face training with remote access services. If this were the best way to educate our students, I would support it too. It is more convenient and profitable for the provider but is not sufficient to address the details necessary for a sound learning experience for students. 

There is a real price for real educational service. It is not extortionate but needs to be sufficient for those who are involved in service delivery to be able to sustain themselves in a well invested, ethical practice that includes ongoing CPD and back room support for the matters arising in day to day practice, as well as all the other elements that would be expected for professional services in the sector. 

More recently, there have been some moves towards differentiation of recommendations on the basis of like for like services. However, we still have some further work to do to clarify the real differences  here, including what reasonable cost of the various levels of services - linked to the costs necessary, as well as the level of expertise and efficacy that 

BIS and the funding bodies have clearly stated that wish to see value for money for services, and by this it seems that they want to see that the funds released translate into improved access to study/work for disabled people, both in higher education and beyond it. 

Given that the push for lower prices can only be maintained through the recommendation patterns of needs assessments, this is something that assessment centres are well placed to look into this. The BIS review promises to look more closely at what quality means in the needs assessment process: the consequences of recommendations, including follow up with students and ensuring that they are able to access a quality of service that is equal to the promise is likely to be a prominent feature in this. 

The Association of Independent Specialist Assistive Technology Trainers (AISATT) is in the process of compiling a report based on the experiences of Assistive Technology Trainers in practice. If you are not already a member, please do join - email: [log in to unmask]  with your details.  In any case, with your permission, your comments can be included within that report. It sounds as though there is more valuable detail that you can offer. 

Kind Regards,

Penny

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of disgruntled freelancer
Sent: 26 June 2013 10:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Freelance AT Trainers and training fees

I have just been informed from my main suppler of training work that training fees have been cut - again. Over the past 4 years Training fees (for freelance trainers) have been cut by approximately 40%. Given that I cover a very large geographic area and I can easily travel over 800 miles per week, a typical week can cost me £200-£400 in petrol, hotels, etc, I usually have to service my car at least twice a year.  It is getting to the point where I will no longer be able to do my job as it will simply not be a financially viable option.

I know suppliers have to remain competitive but this price war has to stop, because if it doesn't there will be no freelancers left in the market which will ultimately increase costs for suppliers as they will have to employ permanent trainers and cover their vehicle/travel costs.

Do any other trainers/suppliers have any thoughts?