Hi all
I recently assessed a student starting uni in September who needs an
adapted accessible room large enough for a powered wheelchair. The
university charges a rate for this room that is higher than the standard
shared accommodation many students might choose. SFE have refused to
help cover the additional cost of the room (above the cost of a standard
room) arguing that the uni shouldn't charge a higher rate for a student
who needs the adaptations and larger room because of a disability.
While I appreciate SFE's position and do agree that students shouldn't
have to pay more just because they have a disability that requires
adapted facilities/larger room, traditionally this is something DSA has
been able to help with. I know this is something being introduced next
year but this decision has come out of the blue and is causing real
problems for the student.
I've contacted the uni to ask them to look into whether or not there is
a legal duty for the room cost not to be higher, so I can get back to
SFE if there isn't a legal duty to try to argue that the funding should
then come from DSA but am still awaiting a response.
I just wondered if anyone else has had this problem this year and been
able to resolve it? Are there other funding options such as housing
benefit that might help at least cover the shortfall?
Thanks
Ian Francis
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