Hello Bryan,
What I am trying to do is illicit the views of students in receipt of
equipment funded through DSA. Over the last 10 years I have been either a
DO, an assessor or a trainer. I have worked with many students, supplied by
a number of different suppliers.
The gateway to the students is through DOs at the coal face. Through this
forum as evidenced by the off list replies I am receiving. Also by my work
and experiences in the students' own homes or digs where I am helping them
to use the technology recommended for them in a strategic and individually
tailored way - everyone seems to learn in different ways and no single
strategy will work for everyone. And it is certainly not just about which
button to press. Anyway...
Why would centres pass their data on to me? With respect, why wouldn't they?
There should be nothing to hide and as long as it is confidential
information why can't it be published on the QAG website if it isn't
already. Maybe it will be in future. Maybe there could be an open message
board and maybe that could capture the "on the ground - in the home" views
that the independent trainer sometimes hears. There are many happy punters
out there too. But I wouldn't be raising this issue and stimulating debate
if I hadn't come across many more unhappy ones too. I feel it is my duty as
a stakeholder to raise this issue and cross forum wherever possible /
appropriate.
Thanks,
Alex
Alex Larg
[log in to unmask]
07931 561 877 or 07916 175 077
Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
Freelance study needs assessor
Former Disability Officer
On 22/3/07 16:10, "Bryan Jones" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello Alex
>
> All QAG listed and NNAC Assessment Centres are expected to obtain
> feedback from students. And of course act upon that feedback where
> necessary. The feedback information /forms must also be available to be
> examined during a QAG Audit. With all due respect, why would Centres
> pass this data on to yourself?
>
>
> Bryan Jones,
> Manager, Disability Support Services
> & North London Regional Access Centre,
> Middlesex University
> Tel: 020 8411 5366
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nasser
> Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:22 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Computer suppliers
>
>
> I will naturally be happy to send this message to the supplier's forum
> as this affects all of us. I think in gathering such information it
> would be extremely important for you to collate the data from both sides
> of the fence as I am certain every supplier will contest the version of
> the truth told by the students.
>
> I hope the purpose of this exercise is to improve the quality of the
> service and this can only be achieved by active participation of
> suppliers and having the opportunity to reply to any unpleasant
> accusations they may be facing from a dissatisfied student complaining
> to their respective assessor/LEA/DO
>
>
> Best wishes
>
> Nasser Siabi
> Managing Director
> Microlink PC (UK) Ltd
> Direct: 02380 240 316
> Mobile: 07870603128
>
> This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
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> Also destroy and delete the message from your computer. Please note that
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> Microlink House, Brickfield Lane, Chandlers Ford, Southampton SO53 4DP
> (Company number: 3325643)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of alex larg
> Sent: 22 March 2007 14:12
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Computer suppliers
>
> Dear Colleagues
>
> I have worked as an AT Trainer, assessor and Disability Officer for
> around 10 years now. Over that time I have worked with hundreds of
> students and some of them seem to have been supplied with unsuitable
> computer hardware. This may be due to assessors not recommending
> appropriate kit: we all make mistakes - I have made and learnt from many
> myself, but this is not my concern here.
>
> It may, however, be due to the suppliers not providing adequate machines
> and/or not providing good and accessible follow up support to their
> clients.
>
> DSA-QAG has been set up, at virtually no cost I believe, to... Well I'm
> not sure what for, but the point is they have introduced a service level
> agreement (SLA) for suppliers who also have to pay for the privilege of
> supplying equipment as a percentage of their turnover. (I'm sure I will
> be kindly corrected for my incorrect facts within this paragraph by
> colleagues.)
>
> My point, when I eventually get there, is that DSA-QAG SLA, is dentally
> challenged, i.e. there is/are no teeth, or at least none that I am able
> to find. (see above.)
>
> What I would ask of you is to ask your colleagues and students for their
> feedback of experiences with suppliers such as Microlink, Iansyst,
> Avantek and other DSA suppliers as I wish to collate some information
> for evidence to take to DSA- QAG / DfES, as I fear from my experience
> some students may be receiving a less that satisfactory service.
>
> Of course positive feedback is welcome, but I have to be more concerned
> with the less satisfactory side of the service too.
>
> I am sending this message cross-forum, and so apologies for those
> receiving this a number of times.
>
> I also ask Nasser at Microlink, in his position as representative for
> suppliers and tier discussion group, to circulate this message on their
> list.
>
> Please pass this onto any other appropriate lists so we can obtain as
> wide feedback as possible. I am in the process of rejoining NADP (if
> they will have me) and so this has not gone to that list. Maybe someone
> at NADP could pass it on if that is deemed appropriate.
>
> I know that suppliers generally ask clients for feedback, but I feel
> that system may be slightly compromised and I don't know whether that
> information is published anywhere.
>
>
> Please contact me off-list with your replies.
>
> Thanks for you time.
> Best wishes,
>
> Alex
>
> Alex Larg
> Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
> Freelance study needs assessor
> Former Disability Officer
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent using the Microsoft Entourage 2004 for Mac Test Drive.
>
Sent using the Microsoft Entourage 2004 for Mac Test Drive.
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