Chris Baxter is quite right. We do need to oppose this culture that
embraces such issues as the DSA which are only available by application
and judgement by professionals. Indeed in an ideal world "we" would not
exist.
As a disabled person (student) why should I have to have a
'professional' certify that I am entitled to 'benefit'. I fully
understand the nature of my disability and the support that I need. It
may be a political decision to provide that support but once it is
provided it becomes a right that I should have direct access to and not
be only available by application and at the judgement (whim?) of others.
Establishing a 'cosy relationship' merely perpetuates the sense that
those who sit in judgement upon the needs of the disabled have that they
are sanctioned in the power that they have and their oppressive
dispensation of it.
The mere notion that there needs to be an intermediary between the
student and the process of claim/award as well as a set of professional
assessors merely emphasises the lack of trust and the resultant
oppressive barriers that are contained within this system.
The phrase 'I have a student who ....' should simply not exist - why are
we "making claims on behalf of students"?
Martin Fletcher
Learning Support Coordinator - De Montfort University
--
Polhill Avenue : Fax: +44 (0) 1234 217738
Bedford, MK41 9EA
Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is
serious.
Brendan Gill
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