Dear all
It appears that there is a case going through the courts
that could have an impact on disability support in HE. A
dyslexic student on a Legal Practice Course (LPC)at the
College of Law is suing the College for not providing
sufficient tuition and also arguing that the form of
assessment used was not adequate in view for their
dyslexia. The student concerned was open about their
dyslexia on the application and this affects the contract
that exists between the the student and the College. The
Law Society who validate/administer this course are
concerned and as a consequence are to insist that all
institutions running LPCs must have a "Learning Contract"
with any student who has indicated that they have a
disability on their application. This will have to outline
what is available in terms of teaching and facilities (tape
recorders, enlarged slides, etc.) and how the course is to
be assessed (additional time, reader in exams?). The
contract must be signed and returned before the start of the
course. The contract will have to be monitored on a monthly
basis to see that all is well. In terms of dyslexia the
recommendations outlined in an Educational Psychologist
report are expected to take on a new significance. As these
are often generic and not specific to the student concerned,
it is a cause for concern. If the student does not have an
up to date assessment they will need one. Who should pay
for this and who is responsible for funding any additional
support/facilities is not clear, especially as LPC is a
postgraduate, self funded course.
This issue could have wider implications than just the LPC.
It could be that in the future all students on HE courses
will be recommended to have these Learning Agreements. The
case noted above is due to be heard in July this year and
the feeling is that it seems to have a good chance of being
won by the student making the complaint. If so how we
provide disability support in the future could well be
enshrined in case law.
Bryan Jones
Equal Opportunities Adviser
London Guildhall University
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Bryan Jones
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