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Perfect timing everyone, thank you! I am currently writing an MA essay entitled "Is dyslexia a disability?" Summing up 5,000 words in one sentence, I have come to the conclusion that whilst the 'disability' label serves a purpose in that it unlocks support such as the DSA, beyond that, it is very subjective and opinions vary widely. Any thoughts anyone? ---------------------- Becky Campbell Assessment Officer, Disability Office, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP. Tel: 01792 513000 Minicom/text: 01792 513100 Fax: 01792 513200 Email: [log in to unmask] Web: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/disability/ -----Original Message----- From: Faye Langston [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 11 June 2004 11:46 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: What qualifies as a disability? Of course everyone has the right to contribute! There are 2 separate issues here I feel that are being confused maybe? - the issue of what we feel as professionals in our own spheres constitute as a disability as far as the DSA process is concerned (and I know this differs from LEA to LEA) and then what each individual identifies themselves as - usually only students who feel they have a disability would book into a disability service in the first place???! Faye Langston Coventry University Imogen Bowers wrote: > > Hello > > I actually think Surya makes a valid point and also one that is constructive. Do we not all have a right to contribute, whatever our opinion?? > > Imogen Bowers > > -----Original Message----- > From: Peter Hill [mailto:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: 11 June 2004 11:26 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: What qualifies as a disability? > > Hi > > It is unfortunate that the presence of the bod on a 'soapbox' can so > easily intimidate others who might have a useful - constructive - > contribution to make. > > Still - it takes all sorts! > > Regards > > Peter Hill > > Jameson,JM wrote: > > > Oh dear. And I thought this list was an informal opportunity for all > > colleagues to quickly sound each other out in a non-judgemental, > > tolerant, empathetic way. > > > > -----Original Message----- From: Surya Shaffi > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 10 June 2004 15:45 To: > > [log in to unmask] Subject: What qualifies as a > > disability? > > > > Am I missing something, or what exactly gives any of us the right to > > make a judgment as to what does/does not qualify as 'a disability' > > for an individual? Surely, if an individual has a physiological or > > sensory or learning impairment that creates barriers for him/her, and > > that makes him/her the potential target for discriminatory attitudes > > and practices as a result of that impairment, then that individual > > has the right to identify himself/herself as disabled? > > > > I don't think that the "I know one like that too" scenarios we've > > been hearing about is a valid means of legitimising an individual's > > right to identify themselves as a disabled person. This is also > > reverting to a medicalising approach to disability we've been > > striving for so long to get away from. > > > > Best wishes > > > > Surya > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jameson,JM" > > <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: > > Thursday, June 10, 2004 2:24 PM Subject: Re: What qualifies as a > > disability? > > > > > > We have had two cases of this, this year and in each case, the > > student has been happy to take the exam in a smaller room with rest > > breaks and the understanding that they would either bring in a small > > hand towel or box of large tissues to cope as they usually do but > > without being quizzed about it. > > > > -----Original Message----- From: David Pollak > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 10 June 2004 14:00 To: > > [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: What qualifies as a > > disability? > > > > I also know of a person with this. It is very disabling when it's > > bad, and stress makes it worse. The operation is quite invasive, has > > side effects itself, and is not all that sure of success I thought. > > > > I would say this is definitely a case for a scribe, although as I > > don't deal with DSA applications, I have no experience to quote. > > > > David Pollak De Montfort University > > > > > > -----Original Message----- From: Quinn, Christine > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 10 June 2004 13:51 To: > > [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: What qualifies as a disability? > > > > > > I have dealt with several cases such as this. No DSA, but we > > provided absorbant paper during exams for the student to keep drying > > their hands. > > > > -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for disabled > > students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] > > On Behalf Of Katy Mann Sent: 10 June 2004 22:33 To: > > [log in to unmask] Subject: What qualifies as a disability? > > > > > > I'm wondering if anybody has come across this before. A student has > > just contacted me saying she thinks she has a disability as she has > > hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on her hands and feet) which makes > > writing difficult. > > > > She claims that she can't take medication for this because of the > > side effects and there is no operation for it. I know this is not the > > case as there is an operation which is usually 98% effective on > > curing the problem, at least on the hands. > > > > On the basis of this condition does anyone think she would be > > eligible for the DSA. My feeling it that it is highly unlikely, and, > > even if it were, apart from the recommendation for pens with rubber > > grips on them, any technical equipment is unlikely to be of any use > > as if the problem is that bad she could end up short circuiting it! > > > > In terms of any in house support that we have available, again, I > > don't think anything would be of particular benefit apart from > > perhaps the provision of a Scribe in exams but I think that even this > > in circumspect. > > > > While I recognise that it is an unpleasant condition to have to live > > with my feeling is that she is chancing her arm..or am I just too > > cynical... > > > > I would be very interested to hear what other people think. > > > > Katy > > > > > > > > -- > Peter Hill > 01905 391547 > [log in to unmask] > www.study-pro.com