JISCMail - DIS-FORUM Archives

Hi Lesley

From what i have gathered from the list, I and others on the list, and SKILL , have all had some contact with the Dfes about this issue.

It seems the theory is that these forms are available, but the reality is that they are not. My LEA certainly knew nothing, and judging by the response I have had from other students in other LEA's I am not the only one who has had this experience.

That it seems is the issue - even if the Dfes thinks they are available - they are not getting out to the students who need them.

But if you do have any further correspondence on this do let me know

Susannah

-----Original Message-----
From: Lesley Morrice [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thu 29.9.05 08:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Did you find the DSA application forms inaccessable?

Hi, I have raised this issue with the DfES. The person I contacted advised that it is his understanding that LEAs should reproduce the form in a student's preferred print size and that Braille copies are also available on request. However, he is checking into this. I will let you have the response when I have it.

Lesley

>>> [log in to unmask] 28/09/05 19:52:58 >>>
Dear John

This is Susannah Barnett - in relation to your question about whether the inaccessable DSA form issue is one for the DRC - I agree, I think it is!!

As I cant believe I am the only person which this issue has effected, i first wanted to gather some evidence from other students as well. But yes, you are right , as well as approaching my MP with the issue, I can also approach the DRC.

I will keep the group updated on what happens.

Many thanks

Susannah Barnett

-----Original Message-----
From: John Conway [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wed 28.9.05 09:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Did you find the DSA application forms inaccessable?

surely this is a top priority for the DRC????

Dr John S Conway
Principal Lecturer / Chair, Research Committee
Royal Agricultural college, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6JS
01285 652531 fax 01285 650219
http://www.royagcol.ac.uk/~john_conway

________________________________

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on behalf of Susannah Barnett
Sent: Tue 27/09/2005 21:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Did you find the DSA application forms inaccessable?

Disabled Students Allowance

Was the Application Form Accessible for you?

Are you Blind or Partially Sighted? Are you Deafblind?

Have you recently applied for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?

Did you have difficulties in accessing the DSA application paperwork independently because the forms were not provided in Large Print or Braille?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then please read on.

My name is Susannah Barnett. I am Deaf and Partially Sighted (Deafblind). I am studying at Bristol University.

I have recently applied for DSA. As I am Partially Sighted, I read Large Print. However when I asked for a Large Print application form for DSA, I was told these were not available. I also understand Braille versions are not available either.

I think this is wrong. I think Blind, Partially Sighted, and Deafblind students should be able to access DSA forms independently. I also believe this is in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.

I would like to do something about this and get these forms changed for other students who apply for DSA in the future.

I am planning to do a number of things.

1. I would like to make contact with as many students as possible around the country who have experienced similar problems. I hope to find out how many people this has affected.

2. I will also be making contact with my M.P. to discuss this issue.

3. I hope my M.P. will then be willing to take this issue up on my behalf with Bill Rammel, the Minister for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning.

I believe it is very important that the DSA application process is fully accessible to the people who are meant to use the system i.e. disabled students. I also believe disabled students have a right to be able to access the process independently in a format of their choice. I do not want other students applying for DSA in future years, to face the same problems I did. I want to see the DSA application forms changed and made fully accessible.

If you also found the DSA application process inaccessible, I would very much like to hear from you.

The more evidence I have, the better the chances of getting it changed.

If this has affected you, or someone you know, please do contact me on:

E-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Thank you

Sense, for people with deafblindness and associated disabilities. Charity no. 289868 www.sense.org.uk

To win some fabulous prizes in Sense's Great Jubilee Balloon Race, go to www.thegreatballoonrace.co.uk or phone 020 7561 3304.
_______________________________________________________________________

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Sense, for people with deafblindness and associated disabilities. Charity no. 289868 www.sense.org.uk

To win some fabulous prizes in Sense's Great Jubilee Balloon Race, go to www.thegreatballoonrace.co.uk or phone 020 7561 3304.
_______________________________________________________________________

Lesley Morrice
ACCESS Centre Manager
(Academic Support Tutor)
Student Services
Room A5A The Orchards
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
UK

Tel: 0115 8466114
Fax: 0115 8466116
EMail: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.nottingham.ac.uk/as

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Sense, for people with deafblindness and associated disabilities. Charity no. 289868 www.sense.org.uk

To win some fabulous prizes in Sense's Great Jubilee Balloon Race, go to www.thegreatballoonrace.co.uk or phone 020 7561 3304.
_______________________________________________________________________