Hi Imogen

 

I am currently the Chair of the National Association of Student Money Advisers – at recent meetings of the BIS Student Finance Stakeholder Interest Group,  and the SLC Operations Group it has been confirmed the Equality Act 2010 definition is to be used for 2014/15 (this is reflected in the 14/15 DSA Guidance Chapter on the Practitioners website).

 

It has also been confirmed that there has been an increase in the number of applications being pended awaiting evidence where the evidence does not explicitly state the equality act definition is met.

 

We (and NADP) have expressed concern this will inevitably cause detriment to disabled students seeking to access HE by requiring them to source replacement evidence, sometimes with costs attached, and without any generally available published guidance either to students, GPs or other agents issuing such evidence regarding this requirement, or that the requirements have changed mid-application cycle.

 

We understand the SLC are in conversation with BIS regarding these concerns, but ultimately SFE are acting on BIS instructions.


Regards

 

Phil

 

Phil Davis

National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA)

c/o Bishop Grosseteste University

Lincoln

LN1 3DY

 

T:01522 583602

www.nasma.org.uk

 

 

 

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Imogen Bowers
Sent: 03 July 2014 14:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: SFE implementing proposed DSA cuts/changes already?

 

Apologies for cross posting

 

Hi

 

One comment made by an MP (I forget whom) at the recent debate by MP’s on the cuts to DSA said that some universities are reporting that SFE appeared to be implementing the proposed changes to DSA now. I can also state that SFE seem to be implementing the changes when considering the recommendations made in DSA reports. 

 

I am a DSA Assessor and have today received an email from SFE disputing the DSA recommendations I have made for a student with VI. Amongst the many infuriating queries, one relates to my recommendation of an adjustable natural daylight task lamp recommended as the student struggles to see when reading or working (typing/writing) in standard lighting (much more justification than this given in the DSA report). SFE have responded by asking…..

 

"Why does it have to be a daylight lamp, can't XX use her own lamp? I would also say that it is the HEI's responsibility to provide adequate lighting.  Please can you confirm how XX copes in every day life and can I also ask that you provide a further disability justification.

 

There are so many things wrong with this statement. Firstly, since when has it been HEIs  responsibility to provide adequate lighting (?!) in the homes of students with VI?.  But more worrying is the assertion by SFE that the HEI  is “responsible” for this support (surely a reference to the proposed DSA changes and the “rebalancing” of support from DSA to the HEI?). Also, and this is really obviously a reference to the cuts I think, asking me to justify how the student copes in her “everyday life”. 

 

As far as I am aware, I do not (currently, at least) have to show how the students disability affects their day to day life, but rather how it affects their access to higher education. It seems that, by posing this question, SFE are asking me to show how she meets the Equality Act definition of disability? Give that she has already been approved for DSA why are they asking me to provide further disability justification?

 

Why are SFE asking for this information unless they are trying to get these proposed cuts in by the "back door”? Is this a widespread new policy and practice or is this just a “rouge” SFE person?!

 

There has been no consultation and no Impact Assessment on these changes/cuts and yet SFE seem to be going right ahead and implementing the changes, on the ground, right here, right now. How can this be right?

 

 

 

Many Thanks

 

Imogen

 

Imogen Bowers

DSA Needs Assessor

Working free lance for Staffordshire Regional Access Centre, Lancaster University Assessment Centre, Pennine Lancashire Access Centre and Broadbents & Co.

 





Imogen Bowers Consulting Limited

 

Company Registration Number: 6905754