Hello Simon et al,

Use of a computer doesn’t need to narrowed to letter formation by hand.

Computer suites can be used to house several students at once, where possible, including that earphones can be used for those using screen-reading software.

Stand-alone computers can then be reserved for the use of voice recognition software.

Kind regards,

Penny

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Jarvis
Sent: 21 March 2013 14:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Medical evidence for Special Exam Arrangements

I think the underlying issue here from an institutional perspective is how many computers any given HEI has for exam arrangements - with hundreds of students now having SpLD diagnoses demand is likely to outstrip supply before long, so I think there is a conversation to be had about when and where computers in exams are justifiable.

Obviously, anyone needing assistive software in exams has to have a computer, but beyond that it would help if an organisation like PATOSS came up with some criteria around handwriting speeds in terms of when a student could and should have a computer in their exams.

None of this answers the question about this student with ADD, mind...

On 21/03/2013 13:19, David Walmsley wrote:

Thanks, Penny. Out of interest would a cardboard frame attached to a piece of paper have the same effect?

David Walmsley

Disability & Wellbeing Support Manager

Registry & Student Support

Institute of Education

University of London

Email: [log in to unmask]

Tel. 020 7612 6604

Fax. 020 7612 6185

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From: Penny Georgiou [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 21 March 2013 13:00
To: David Walmsley; [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: Medical evidence for Special Exam Arrangements

Hello David,

This requests sounds consist with my understanding of ADD and it’s effects.

The structuring effect of framing that a computer screen has on thinking (probably literally the effect of the square frame) and on attention and permits a focussing, which otherwise is lost in a dissipating infinite periphery.

I think it is quite well known from observations with children with additional or EBD needs that they are able to sit still and concentrate in front of a computer when it is not possible for them to do so with pen and paper.

Again, this would be a discreet adjustment that responded to a not very demanding request from the student, suited to their particular needs. You could try it out and review it with her for next time. Such an exercise is often highly instructive, affording insight into both this and similar conditions.

Kind regards,

Penny

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Walmsley
Sent: 21 March 2013 12:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Medical evidence for Special Exam Arrangements

Afternoon,

I’m interested to know what level of detail people request when organising Special Exam Arrangements. I’m generally happy to offer 25% extra time if they just present evidence of a condition, but try to ask for medical/psychological evidence for more specific requests. Is this case with others? The case I’m thinking of relates to a student with ADD who wants to use a computer, but can’t demonstrate to me that she is unable to handwrite her answers; she’s requested it as her thinking “tends to jump around quite a lot” but doesn’t want extra time as this will “only exacerbate [her] tendency to procrastinate”.

She also mentioned that she’d recently lost her Super Focus. This isn’t a term I’m familiar with so I’d appreciate insights from any experts on this particular subject.

Thanks,

David Walmsley

Disability & Wellbeing Support Manager

Registry & Student Support

Institute of Education

University of London

Email: [log in to unmask]

Tel. 020 7612 6604

Fax. 020 7612 6185

Mailing address:

Institute of Education

20 Bedford Way

London

WC1H 0AL

--

Simon Jarvis

Head of Disability & Dyslexia Service

Queen Mary University of London

Room FB 2.30, Francis Bancroft

Mile End Road, London E1 4NS

Tel:  020 7882 2765

Mob: 07500825597

Fax: 020 7882 5223

www.dds.qmul.ac.uk