Hi Ian
In FE if a student needed physio or SALT for example, to enable them to access their learning programme a college can put in a claim to recover the costs but there has to be evidence that the support is required to support the student in their studies and is not support which would be required if they were not studying. I see no reason why this shouldn't be the same for HE if there is evidence, as you suggest, that the massage is only required because of the demands of studying. It's unusual I agree but I see no reason for not arguing the case if there is a case to argue.
Good luck
John
John Goodacre
ACCESS Centre Manager
Hereward College Coventry
Tel: 0247 642 6100
>>> "Ian F." <[log in to unmask]> 05/12/2007 21:21 >>>
Hi, I wonder what people think of this.
A student with physical difficulties (long-term persistent but difficult to
diagnose problems resulting from various accidents) has requested if DSA can
be used to pay for massage sessions while on campus. (There's a private
osteopath near the uni campus). The student argues that he wouldn't require
this assistance if he was at home or at work, but having to sit in lectures
for long periods is exacerbating the pain. He says having some massage
might allow him to remain on campus for a full day. I suggested it might
help to provide some medical evidence that confirms the need for massage
when on campus, which the student's GP has helpfully provided.
Has anyone come across DSA funding been used for this type of support
before? Even if it can be supported through DSA, I'm assuming massage would
be classed as 'medical' assistance, so the non-medical helpers allowance
can't be used?
If DSA can't be used, has anyone identified an alternative method of
providing this support, e.g. via the sports centre or health centre? (the
student does not have specialist personal care requirements that might mean
a 'care assistant' could be provided on campus to provide this).
Ian Francis.
--
I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users.
It has removed 2724 spam emails to date.
Paying users do not have this message in their emails.
Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len
|