 |
 |
We totally agree with you that they should take responsibility but the reality is that the majority of them, through their disability or lack of responsible attitude or what ever, they don't. The question became 'How important is this equipment to them?' So we took the view that unless something fundamental changes within them we have to take that initiative ourselves. We feel it has been worth while exercise and we shall continue the practice at least for the first year. Years ago when I was a warden of a halls of residence I used to deal with numerous break-ins to student rooms and then as now the majority of students (disabled or otherwise) had no insurance cover. Of course the losses were Hi-Fi system which did not affect their studies but nevertheless it highlights the issue. I am yet to be convinced that attitudes have changed since then. Nasser Siabi Microlink PC Managing Director [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Boyce, Mark [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 08 November 2002 16:52 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Insuring equipment Who is responsible for the equipment once it has been purchased through DSA funding? The LEA? The University? Or the student? All students should be purchasing contents insurance so why are students with disabilities receiving preferential treatment by getting their contents insurance paid through DSA funding? They are not children and as such it should be their own responsibility to look after their equipment. I work with a lot of dyslexic students and, while I am always there to support them in what they do, I actively encourage them to be more independent in their ideas and actions and this includes them looking after themselves. A lot of dyslexic students have very low self-esteem, holding their hands for the whole time that they at Uni will not help to overcome this! Any views on this? Mark Boyce -----Original Message----- From: Peter Childs [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 08 November 2002 15:44 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Insuring equipment Just a quick note for every one We include the insurance for all our student computers/laptops as standard and have been doing so for 18 month. We receive average 5 claims per week for damages and theft and we feel without it significant number of students would have been left stranded without any help from the LEA. Our agreement with the insurers has been very clear that we replace the equipment with a suitable model with full configuration, which as you know is not the same with other insurance companies. I'm pleased to say that we have not yet had a refusal from the insurance company to settle any of the student claims and we will continue with them for the foreseeable future. Our only concern is that the insurers have informed us that the uptake for the renewals has not been as high as they had hoped and therefore they may increase our charges. This of course raises the issue that unless this is organized for the students are they likely to fall into the situation later on. To this end we are thinking of sending reminders to all our students to renew or take out alternative insurance as a matter of course. I hope this helps Peter Childs Microlink PC IT Manager [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Steven Metcalfe [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 08 November 2002 11:47 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Insuring equipment We have not heard of anyone being unable to obtain insurance but some companies are very expensive. Interestingly, I have just got off the phone to a loss adjuster who had provided a replacement laptop for one of our students. Unfortunately, it was unsuitable for what it was needed for as the student is Blind. After much discussion they are going to send a machine that we know will do the job. However, during our discussions it transpired that the machine was not insured in the student's name but in her Father's name on the families home insurance. It looks like the loss adjuster could possibly have stuck by the original replacement or not replaced the machine in the first place! We need to clearly inform students to obtain proper insurance for DSA equipment, so as to avoid the possibility that they could end up with no equipment. Generally we recommend Complete Computer Cover who we have found to be quite competitive. Steve. On 8 Nov 2002, at 11:27, Emma J Price wrote: > Dear all > > Has anyone had any problems with refusals for insurance costs to > specifically cover computer, monitor and other items purchased through > the DSA? > > > ---------------------- > Emma Price > Disability Assessment and Support Officer > Equality and Diversity Department Steve Metcalfe Head of Disability Access Resources and Technology Director National Association of Disability Officers University of Lincoln Tel: 01522 886400 Fax: 01522 886489 Minicom: 01482 463571 E-mail [log in to unmask]