DSA-QAG Assistive Technology Service Provider: Quality Assurance
Framework Version 6.0 January 2016 available from
<http://www.dsa-qag.org.uk/docman-public/framework-documents/1816-ats-provider-qaf-15-16-v6-0/file>
Says nothing about
* obligation of AT trainers to provide communication support for students
* reasonable adjustments or meeting students' access needs
* BSL/interpreter/other
It does require providers to have disability awareness training.
One issue with assuming HEI can/will pay due to DSA overspend is that
many HEIs can't/won't pay otherwise DSA-able costs till overspend has
actually happened because they need to ensure they're only covering
essential costs.
Some HEIs don't pay any overspend at all, others will only be
willing/able to fund a cheaper/lower level of support. The student
doesn't know who is telling the 'truth' when different entities such as
DSO for the HEI, assessor/funding body, AT trainer etc pass the buck...
I don't think I have had many students who know whose remit is what
because they want to spend their life doing their course and living, not
being a rule maven...
And we're back to students giving up cos it's all too much...
Natalya
On 09/12/16 13:31, Ian F. wrote:
> Good point. It might be worth checking the DSA-QAG Quality Assurance
> Framework requirements that AT trainers are expected to comply with when
> they register as an NMH provider? If it's not specifically mentioned in
> there as a service level requirement maybe that could be ammunition to use?
>
> It does seem like something that should be covered by DSA to me but
> probably a moot point given most students I see seem to potentially
> exceed the maximum DSA when interpreters are needed, meaning the HEI
> ends up having to cover some of the cost whether it's the training or
> the actual lecture support costs, but it's a point of principle I suppose.
>
> Ian Francis
>
>
>
> On 09/12/2016 13:04, Penny Georgiou wrote:
>> There is also the matter of 'reasonable adjustment'. A sole provider
>> might not reasonably be expected to fund, and then DSA may cover under
>> exceptional case provision.This aspect is also negotiated between DSA
>> and the Institution.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Penny
>>
>> On 9 Dec 2016 12:56, "Natalya Dell" <[log in to unmask]
>> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I haven't had a BSL user with AT training in the 15-16 cohort so
>> this may be a new thing/interpretation. My last BSL using student
>> had explicit funding for AT training + BSL support from her usual
>> providers so she had someone familiar with her signing styles etc.
>>
>> I would ask SFE to provide a direct reference to the relevant part
>> of the DSA regulations which both state that they can't pay for the
>> terps AND the registered AT supplier's regulations which explicitly
>> states they MUST pay for terps. I find even asking for a citation
>> gets a resolution in some cases...
>>
>> Let us know the outcome as that's an important issue which we must
>> not let drop quietly cos we need to make sure students CAN fairly
>> and fully access AT training with whatever support is needed!
>>
>> Natalya
>>
>>
>> On 08/12/16 16:58, Cheron Stevenson wrote:
>>
>> I have always sought AT quotes that include interpreting support
>> for those students that require it. SFE have refused this as
>> stated below:
>>
>>
>> 'All AT providers who are QAG registered we feel should be able
>> to provide their support in different formats and ways so that
>> all student's can receive this including students with
>> disabilities or difficulties. As mentioned in the previous email
>> we feel we would not pay the additional costs for BSL
>> interpretation to be used in AT training for the above reason.'
>>
>> Is this response familiar to anyone? I would appreciate any
>> advice and whether anyone has successfully challenged it. I
>> think it is highly unlikely that AT trainers/suppliers will
>> absorb the cost of providing an appropriately qualified
>> interpreter so that the student can access the training. What
>> other appropriate formats could possibly meet the needs of a
>> profoundly deaf students? I am at a loss to understand SFE's
>> 'logic.'
>>
>> Chéron Stevenson
>> Freelance Student Assessor.
>>
>>
|