> It would be interesting if those assessors shared 'the going rate' they
> recommend so that we may all come into line,. There was a message from
> Clare Davis re this, she was wondering how the costs compared with other
> phone lines, as it is on Orange network it is at their usual rates. Chris
There's no 'going rate', as such. Every case is considered on its merits with
reference to the course content and structure.
Typically, if Internet access can be justified as a need arising from the
disability then the U-NET JANET dialup service is recommended @#94 per
year (General allowance) and a 56K internal modem is specified for the
computer @#30 for a PC (much more for MAC). We're waiting to see how
providers like FreeServe perform in the longer term.
If the student is in halls with ethernet access then a network card and any
local software licence charges are recommended.
If the need is for email only (E.g. someone who has possible irregular
attendance and needs to keep in touch with tutors / peers) then no
allowance for calls is recommended. This is because messages can be
prepared off-line and actual on line time should not exceed the minimum call
charge.
If the person does not have telephone line then installation is recommended
from the General Allowance. This can be as little as #10 for a cable company
or around a #100 for BT. If the student is in halls then this must be
negotiated with the Institution.
With someone who needs extended time to access telnet / web etc. (E.g. a
VI student who needs time to work at home using a terminal application to
the Uni mainframe) an estimate is made of the number of hours per week x
off-peak call charge x no. of weeks in academic year. So, say 2 hrs per
week @ approx. 80p / hour for 36 weeks = approx. #60. The student is
requested to produce itemised bills.
I'm can't think of any assessor who has actually made a case for line rental
to a LEA but was recently talking to one who was thinking that 50% may be
justified, in some cases. I'll keep you posted.
Regards
Paul Dilley, Technical Manager & dis-forum list owner
Computer Centre for People with Disabilities, University of Westminster
** The Central London Access Centre ** NFAC **
Tel: +44 (0)171 911 5000 Fax: +44 (0)171 911 5162 http://www.wmin.ac.uk/ccpd/
Assessment bookings tel: 0171 911 5808
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