> Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 12:49:31 -0400 (EDT)
> Priority: NORMAL
> Subject: Mental health difficulties and DSAs
> From: "Littlejohn, Julie" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
> Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
> (Apologies for any cross-postings).
>
> Does anyone have any experience of working with the
> Counselling services in HE in relation to students with
> mental health difficulties applying for DSAs?
>
> As far as staff at the University of the the West of
> England are aware, such a situation has never occurred, and
> they have never really probed in to the subject. I imagine
> there are issues around students with mental health
> difficulties classing themselves as disabled;
> undergoing the procedures for carrying out an assessment of
> educational support needs etc.
>
> If anyone has any comments on this subject it would be
> interesting to hear them, so I can pass them back to the
> Counselling services.
>
> Thanks
> Julie Littlejohn
>
> ----------------------------------------
> Littlejohn, Julie
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> "University of the West of England"
>
> I have worked with our counselling service, who have referred several students
to me to look at such topics as DSA and exam arrangements etc. The
conditions range from Depression, stress and anxiety and eating
distress. It has not always been appropriate to apply for DSA,
however out of 4 applications 1 was refused by the LEA and the
others accepted. Each application was to a different LEA. I have
found that the LEA wanted documentation from a GP or medical based
specialist rather than a counsellor. As assessments for DSA tend to be
carried out 'in house' and we are physically located within the same
building as the counsellors I am often a familiar face prior to
assessment. The counsellors also have access to our literature and
are aware of the units policy on confidentiality so can discuss this
with a student prior to them coming to see me . I have also found an
increase in students who refer themselves to me and describe
themselves as having a mental health issue.
Regards
Claire Dowling Student
Adviser (Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties)
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