I would refer to The Education(Mandatory Awards)
Regulations Notes for Guidance (Third Edition) 1998/99
Arrangements Part iv, page 103, 3.35 (ie the DfEE guidance
to LEA awards officers) -
"Many applicants will not have had any assessment made of
the impact of their disability on their support needs in
higher education or of what measures (e.g. enabling
technology, specialised support) would be appropriate for
their course. A full and proper assessment of an
applicant's course-related needs by a person with
specialist experience or qualifications should therefore
be undertaken for every applicant. Assessments may be
undertaken an independent body, such as an access
centre....." it continues "LEAs should be prepared to
accept such independant assessments for the purpose of
establishing an applicant's course-related needs"
Mike Wray
Student Adviser (Disabilities)
UWE, Bristol
On Thu, 6 May 1999 15:37:28 +0100 "Robson, Karen"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Does anyone have any experience of requesting an LEA to fund an assessment
> of needs and to have been refused?
>
> I wrote to a C.C. requesting an A of N for a dyslexic student.It's normal
> practice here now since I feel the student gets a better level of service
> etc etc.To date I've not had a request refused---indeed as you'll all know
> some LEA's demand these reports. The dept. head told me he will accept the
> recommendations from the Ed. Pysch's report which were very general eg a PC.
> My argument is which PC etc. I know we can provide info to a degree but I'm
> of the opinion that a suitably qualified person is appropriate. If my Ed.
> Pysch had not included these general recommendations I don't think the LEA
> could have argued this point but it is quite helpful for students who can't
> have an A of N for whatever reason.
> Anyway broadly speaking he argued that he saw no reason to pay for something
> twice ( he didn't pay for the dyslexia rep. ) and also he didn't see it as
> being necessary. In addition being 'the guardian of the public purse ' he
> didn't consider this a worthwhile use of funds in this case ?!!! Apparently
> too many colleges were charging exorbitant rates for this work.
>
> Is this usual? Certainly I've not had one refused before. Eventually he
> agreed to pay for an agreed amount of hours and to ensure the student isn't
> without his equipment for any longer, I've agreed---- but this took
> persistent arguing to get this far.
> Comments please........
> Karen Robson UWIC
----------------------------------------
Mike Wray
Student Adviser (Disabilities)
"University of the West of England"
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 0117 976 2180
Minicom: 0117 976 2611
Internal: ext. 2718
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