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Hi all, My view on this would be that evidence IS needed where a need is not obvious. The SLC and LEAs are quite sure that if we want to help the student access additional resources, evidence is needed. From a philosophical point of view, if we don't have evidence, how can be sure we know? (I just know I'm going to wish I hadn't said that...... ) Chris ________________________________ From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan, Brigid Sent: 30 May 2007 15:24 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: 'evidence' Hello, 1) When a student declares a disability to your disability team, do you ask for 'evidence' of the disability? i.e. doctors letter, consultants letter, Ed Psych report etc? Here and at my previous institution we did, I can't see how we couldn't - can you? 2) If a student declares to an academic dept - NOT the disability team, and for some reason this does not get through to the disability team by any route, should the student show the academic dept 'evidence' ? - I understand that we have a duty to support a student with a disability once they have declared to someone in the institution, it's just this issue about academic depts and 'evidence'. The DRC can not give me a definite answer on this second point. They say there is nothing in the legislation about producing 'evidence'. They say the student must fall under the definition of a person who is disabled under the DDA which as we know is The Act defines a disabled person as a person with 'a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities' However in order to 'prove' that they 'fit' under this definition, would some evidence not have to be produced to the academic dept? What are you thoughts? Brigid *********************************************************** Brigid Callaghan Senior Disability Adviser Student Services University of Bolton Deane Rd Bolton BL3 5AB [log in to unmask] To make an appointment: 01204 903733. Direct line: 01204 903803 Minicom: 01204 903490 P. Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save the planet. ***********************************************************