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Examples, analogies, logic from the US don't always easily transfer but I think this is one that does. The basis for a reasonable adjustment (accommodation in the US) is that you have varied the tools & method (the how) not the skill demonstrated/evaluated o (the what). If the decision making process is appropriate you do not create an "unfair advantage". Simply because some without a disability might want (or even find some advantage in) an accommodation does not make it an unfair advantage. Like many able bodied but out of shape folks I prefer elevators and ramps (when built well) to stairs. That does not mean that providing ramps for chair users gives them an advantage. The blind student needing extra time on a test because of the inefficiencies inherent in assistive technology has not gotten an unfair advantage; any advantage gained was absorbed by the realities of his or her disability related needs. The same can be said for the dyslexic student. Your example looks at a larger time scale for both the impact and adjustment. Again, any advantage is likely use up by her anticipated down time based on the conditions. L. Scott Lissner, University ADA Coordinator Office Of Diversity and Inclusion 281 W. Lane Ave Columbus, OH 43210-1266 (614) 292-6207(v); (614) 688-8605(tty) (614) 688-3665(fax); Http://ada.osu.edu -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jayne Mayers Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 8:42 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Reasonable adjustments versus unfair advantage Dear Colleagues Our team recently discussed how the institution could support a student's progression to her third year. One of the options was that she be permitted extra time to complete her work for the third year - it's likely that she will not complete all work within the one year period, because of limitations on the amount of time she is able to spend at her studies. She has several co-morbid medical conditions/impairments, one of which is musculo-skeletal and has been diagnosed within the last six months - SFE have kindly agreed a top-up Needs Assessment for her. SFE have also provided us with the relevant extract of the regulations which show that this is a reasonable adjustment. However, one of the senior academics has queried whether this student is now being given an unfair advantage because they have an extended period to complete. A "level playing field" has been mentioned! Any thoughts or experiences to share? I have a meeting with the Academic on Monday morning so any responses gratefully appreciated! Although I realise Friday pm has to be the worst time to ask a question! Many thanks Jayne Jayne Mayers Inclusion Officer Student Information Centre Edge Hill University St Helens Road Ormskirk L39 4QP Direct Dial 01695 584190 / 01695 584793 Extension 4190/4793 Or email [log in to unmask] ( mailto:[log in to unmask] ) Based on an award-winning 160-acre Campus near Liverpool, Edge Hill University has over 125 years of history as an innovative, successful and distinctive higher education provider. • Shortlisted for Times Higher Education University of the Year 2007 and 2010 • Top in the North West for overall student satisfaction (Sunday Times University Guide 2011) • Second in England for graduate employment (HESA 2009, full universities, full and part-time, first and foundation degrees) • Top 20 position, and the highest ranked university in 'The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the Public Sector 2010' • Grade 1 'outstanding' judgements made in all 33 inspection cells, Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report 12/5/2011 ----------------------------------------------------- This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and remove it from your system. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Edge Hill or associated companies. Edge Hill University may monitor email traffic data and also the content of email for the purposes of security and business communications during staff absence. -----------------------------------------------------