Without knowing the details of the particular case it does seem that the LEA
have interpreted this wrong. It is essential I feel that they are made to
see the error of their ways and change their minds, otherwise any type of
support can be treated the same. This seems to me to be the thin end of the
wedge and must be resisted.
Gerard Conroy
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lynne Farquharson
Sent: 31 January 2008 15:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Hearing impairment and note-taker
We have students with differing degrees of hearing loss doing medicine, two
of whom have a note taker, which enables them to give full attention to
presentations and lectures, and they also have amplified stethoscopes.
Another student has an amplified stethoscope but doesn't wish to have a note
taker.
In no case have any of the LEAs objected to these recommendations - nor
could I see how they could. Notes and hand outs are often provided but they
can not replace the first hand experience of
lectures/discussions/demonstrations etc - note taking is standard practice
for deaf or hard of hearing students, so that they can share as closely as
possible the experience of their hearing colleagues.
Amplified stethoscopes are the only way for such students to be able to
develop the skills required by the GMC to become qualified doctors. Does
the LEA think that universities provide these, or that they should? There
are several models available, and each student has to find a model that will
work best for them and their particular hearing levels. It is therefore a
piece of equipment essential to their studies because of their hearing loss
- I can't see how the LEA is interpreting this!
Hope you can get them to see reason,
best wishes,
Lynne Farquharson
(Newcastle university)
________________________________
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on
behalf of Christina Din Wong
Sent: Wed 30/01/2008 10:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Hearing impairment and note-taker
The local authority of one of our hearing impaired medical student
rejected the Needs Assessment recommendations for an electronic
stethoscope and a note-taker as they are "reasonable adjustments for the
university to make to enable you (student) to access the course."
The LA has accepted all the other recommendations for computer equipment
and general allowance.
We have never had note-taking support for hearing impaire students
rejected before. Has anyone else had a similar rejection?
--
Christina Din Wong
Disability Adviser
Rm 2.37 Francis Bancroft Building
Queen Mary University of London
Mile End Rd
London E1 4NS
Tel:020 7882 2760
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