Apologies!
A reflection of our increasing bureaucratisation?
In mitigation, I did at least spell out the less common ones.
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Conway
Sent: 11 February 2015 20:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [DIS-FORUM] Provision of Computers with Assistive Technology
TLAs rule....and now a few FLAs.
With regards,
John
Sent from my iPad
On 11 Feb 2015, at 20:15, Kate Esser <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
Acronym heaven!
________________________________
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2015 18:25:34 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Provision of Computers with Assistive Technology
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Hi Helen
I write as one of the current QAG registered Assistive Technology Solutions Providers (ATSPs), and this is my understanding:
As far as we can tell there should be little or no difference in principle in the numbers of students that should qualify for a DSA computer next year. (This is very different from the early government proposals). We do, however, expect that the requirement for students to contribute the first £200 themselves will make a difference to the number who claim and will cause issues for the institution to solve when the student wants the DSA but has difficulties finding the £200.
However, you are right that there is a need for the institution to make some provision itself. The HEI has obligations under the Equalities Act for reasonable adjustments which covers some who do not qualify for the DSA - eg foreign students and some part-timers. In addition, students who have their own computer do not at the moment get the same full level of support from ATSPs as those who get a computer provided. The latter includes a loan machine. BIS/SLC are currently addressing this inequality with a provision of "warranty and insurance" for those who get a computer elsewhere, but it is not clear at the moment whether this will be to the same standard of provision as the QAF regulated "insurance, support and maintenance" that we provide.
So you may want to consider getting your kit from one of the registered ATSPs, who will be able to supply and install the AT software and maintain the equipment for you. Some of us are specifically offering a loan management service which includes wiping and reinstating the kit between loans (which is necessary for security purposes), and are developing other services to meet the need you identify.
You may also, or may not, want to involve your institution's IT people - who will, in any case, need to be involved implementing the site licences for common AT which it is normal to provide as part of your reasonable adjustments. They may be purchasing IT kit through the National Desktop and Notebook Agreement (NDNA) framework which is commonly used by HEI IT departments. A couple of us ATSPs are also on the NDNA framework.
Either way, I think that you will find that ATSP's prices are pretty competitive especially given the level of knowledge and support that we have experience in.
I'd be interested to see what other dis-forum members see as appropriate.
Regards
Ian Litterick
Executive Chairman
www.iansyst.co.uk<http://www.iansyst.co.uk/> | www.dyslexic.com<http://www.dyslexic.com/> | www.azzapt.com<http://www.azzapt.com/> | www.capturatalk.com<http://www.capturatalk.com/>
mobile + 44 7860 926159 | direct +44 1223 436680
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Helen Stocker
Sent: 11 February 2015 17:18
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Provision of Computers with Assistive Technology
Dear All
I wondered if anyone could give me any advice on the best way to provide computers with assistive technology to the students who need them.
I am asking as the learning support co-ordinator of a small institution (250 students in total) where we currently have around 6 students who have laptops and software provided through their DSAs.
The proposed changes to DSA are also on my mind as I begin to plan for the coming year.
Would it be OK to purchase a couple of laptops with the software on them that could be lent to students? It would also be good for students to have access to this should their own computers be away for repair (as is the case for one of my students at the moment).
If anyone can suggest places to source laptops / software at a cost effective price that would also be very welcome! Can you purchase multiple licenses of a product?
I am trying to think through all the options as to how we can provide for our students with the reduced funding from the DSA.
Thank you for any advice you can offer,
Helen.
[https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0BzT8JmvFtP1FdGNabnlFYmlFYVk&revid=0BzT8JmvFtP1FNmF4Nk02ZmVEaHRhSm9ZWFZseDNjc2JkcUdvPQ]
________________________________
Sign up for support and information in our occasional newsletter on "Technology and Dyslexia" at http://www.dyslexic.com/newsletter.asp
Saving space & paper - go to http://www.iansyst.co.uk/disclaimer.asp for company info and email terms.
www.iansyst.co.uk<http://www.iansyst.co.uk>, www.dyslexic.com<http://www.dyslexic.com>, www.re-adjust.co.uk<http://www.re-adjust.co.uk>, www.itspc.co.uk<http://www.itspc.co.uk> 01223 420101
________________________________
Sign up for support and information in our occasional newsletter on "Technology and Dyslexia" at http://www.dyslexic.com/newsletter.asp
Saving space & paper - go to http://www.iansyst.co.uk/disclaimer.asp for company info and email terms.
www.iansyst.co.uk, www.dyslexic.com, www.re-adjust.co.uk, www.itspc.co.uk 01223 420101
|
