I have lost count of the number of times we have been awarded both system supply and AT training (as listed on the DSA2) only to find that the training has been "pre-arranged" by a private training company.
The boot is often on the wrong foot.
Regards, Tony
Regards, Tony
On 29 May 2013, at 19:12, "[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
Although unacceptable, this is not a practice that is solely carried out by equipment suppliers. There have been instances where institutions and others who provide training services have tried to 'influence' student choice.
As for 'who is your dyslexic tutor?' the same unacceptable practices also occur.
As a centre we do not offer AT training or study skills support, so do not recommend ourselves, and therefore can make unbiased recommendations for these provisions that are in the best interests of the student. As it should be.
On 29 May 2013 at 18:54 Kevin Brunton <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
Hi Kieran
I've heard anecdotal tales but none of the students who I've assessed have directly reported this happening. Based on feedback from students, I don't believe that the training should necessarily be provided by the same company who supplies the equipment. I'd be annoyed if doorstepping did happen as I've tried to identify training companies who I believe provide good quality training. I do put a line in my reports to try and make this clear to the student in case someone suggests that they switch. If I had hard evidence that doorstepping was taking place then it would make me reconsider whether I should be using a particular supplier for my quotes.
Kind regards
Kevin Brunton
DSA Needs Assessor
On 29 May 2013 14:59, Kieran Chester <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
I was wondering if anyone had heard of DSA equipment suppliers suggesting / asking / persuading students to contact SFE to request that they supply the training as well?
I contacted my student when an updated letter came through without me making a recommendation, and here is their reply –
“When the gentleman dropped my equipment off he spoke about his organisation doing the training then called them and asked who I was with, then I received an e-mail from the company saying they would be happy to do the training as same cost as original organisation. I sent a request off and this is the result, will book training with them. A little sneaky on their part but it worked!”
A call to SFE confirmed that the student had phoned them and a new agreement letter was sent out. It sounds like the call was made with the equipment supplier stood with them, and may have meant training was initially delivered there and then. Ultimately, it does say on the agreement letter - “If you wish to use a different provider for the non-medical help, then please get in contact with us as soon as possible so we can advise you on any implications this may have. Our email address is [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>”
This sits a little uncomfortably with me for a number of reasons –
• Potentially vulnerable students are being “doorstepped” for work / commission
• It goes against the most basic of ethics within the very work we do – the best result for the student and to help people. SFE have already agreed that another company (in their opinion) was best for the student and then somebody has told them otherwise for their own financial gain.
• What is to stop them suggesting other changes - “who is your dyslexia tutor?”
• Where this leaves Assessors having to provide quotes / conduct study needs assessments if students can keep over-ruling them about using another supplier.
Splitting the equipment and training between suppliers has already made it harder for students (and their advisers) to arrange everything – is this now another challenge we will have to face?
Has anyone else had similar experiences?
Kieran
Kieran Chester
Disability Adviser
Student Wellbeing Service
University of Derby
_____________________________________________________________________
The University of Derby has a published policy regarding email and reserves the right to monitor email traffic. If you believe this email was sent to you in error, please notify the sender and delete this email. Please direct any concerns to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
David Austen
Cambridge ACCESS Centre
7 & 9 Orwell House
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0PP
Tel: 01223 223701
Web: www.cambridgeaccesscentre.com<http://www.cambridgeaccesscentre.com>
|