In a message dated 01/10/03 15:29:02 GMT Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
<< Hi my name is Una Crotty- Joyce and I am a support tutor for a disabled
student working with Mary Ensor .My student has limited use of her forearms
for notetaking .She has had a custom built computer for her use at home but
finds now that she is in her final year of a philosophy degree that she
needs to use library reference books ( ancient texts that are not on loan
).The LEA (Kingston) that funded the custom built computer refuses to
release the excess £600 that is outstanding on her allowance .Any
suggestions would be welcome to help resolve this one .Thanks Una >>
As previously stated there ius no automatic entitlement to the allowances.
The student can receive support as needed with a maximum for equipment (about
£4,200), non-medical help (about £11,400) and a General Allowance (about 1900).
It is from the General Allowance that books should be purchased IF a case can
be made. LEAS may allow students to 'top up' the equipment allowance or the
non medical allowance from the General Allowance but not usually top up the
general allowance from the others.
It is often hard to find out what is left in the general allowance as the
assessment costs and any photocopying and consumable spending will have been
taken from that fund. LEAs are often loathe to release money for books as they
argue that all students have to buy some books - they will only be persuaded if a
good case is made.
The student should ask whoever did her assessment (if she had one) to write
to the LEA or should write herself stating why she needs to purchase these
books.
Although, as stated elsewhere, the university should consider exceptional
loans of, say, one book at a time.
Mick Trott
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