Dear Simon, Dear Emily,
Exam adjustments could include screen reading software to read the examination questions aloud. Also, use of a computer with personalised background colours to type up examination answers. (This would require prior assessment for relevant hues.)
With screen reading software, if headphones are used, examinations can be taken in a computer suite with other students with similar adjustments.
Kind regards,
Penny
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Jarvis
Sent: 09 January 2012 16:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DSA for HE Students with Visual Sensitivity
Hello Emily,
We have a student in exactly this situation. Just before Christmas I had confirmation from SFE that they would pay for the cost of a new colour screening and a contribution toward the cost of her coloured lenses, but nothing toward the frames. They seemed keener on this when I said that she didn't need a needs assessment.
The student has also talked to us about having extra time in exams - we haven't seen her diagnostic evidence as yet as she sent it all off to SFE last Summer, but I am struggling to think of a justification for any exam arrangements other than the sort of colour sensitive issues you mention.
Hope this helps...
Simon
On 03/01/2012 11:35, Emily Colyer wrote:
Dear All
I would like to enquire about other institutions policies of implementing support for students with diagnosis of Colorimeter Sensitivity/ Irlen’s syndrome but no SpLD.
We have a first year student who underwent a very basic screening for visual sensitivity at their previous institution which recommended coloured paper and a coloured overlay. The screening went on to recommend coloured lenses and further screening with a spectral filter diagnostician (Irlen Syndrome Diagnostician).
The student has informed us that they were screened for Specific Learning Difficulty alongside this assessment and no evidence of SpLD was found.
The student proceeded with applying for DSA on this evidence alone to their Welsh LEA before commencing their studies at our institution. The LEA granted DSA and the student received an Assessment of Needs report. Within this report the student has been recommended specialist equipment and software, the further Colorimeter Sensitivity screening and referral for lenses and general allowance. In addition within the report the student has also been recommended to be able to record taught sessions, receive extended library loans, and exam arrangements in the form of extra time, separate room, a reader and coloured paper.
As far as our service has been aware, we have been advised by SFE that students with visual sensitivity alone, would not be eligible for DSA. However, it seems that the Welsh LEA have a different interpretation of the guidelines. Have any other institutions had experience of this?
In regards to the lecture, library and exam arrangements, normally the institution would only implement the provision of colour paper and overlays for students with visual sensitivity and no SpLD, however, we are keen to know what other institutions implement in this situation, we are particularly interested in the type of examination arrangements implemented with the above diagnosis?
Many thanks
Emily Tamara Jones (Maiden name Colyer)
Disability Support Officer
University of Chester
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01244 511023
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Simon Jarvis
Head of Disability & Dyslexia Service
Queen Mary University of London
Student and Campus Services
Room FB 2.30, Francis Bancroft
Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
Tel: 020 7882 2765
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Fax: 020 7882 5223
www.dds.qmul.ac.uk