Karen
I'm very much in agreement with the previous messages. The assessments we
carry out, and the reports produced, contain far more than a list of equipment.
Study strategies and comments so tutors are aware of specific needs can be
as important as any access technology. And where access technology is
recommended, compatibility is a serious issue which must be considered.
In my experience a dyslexic student is not likely to be any more straightforward
than other disabled students - the contrary may even be the case because of
the extreme diversity of the effects of the condition. Sounds like this Awards
Officer needs disability awareness training - perhaps then they might be
happier to admit that the title of guardian of the public purse does not
automatically qualifiy them to comment on specific disability needs...
My apologies if this sounds a little jaundiced. I have my cynical and frustrated
hat on, having been dealing with a truculant Awards Officer myself all
afternoon...
Karen Ball
ACCESS Centre Manager
The Royal National College
HEREFORD
HR1 1UL
Date sent: Thu, 6 May 1999 15:37:28 +0100
Subject: Assessments of Needs
From: "Robson, Karen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Send reply to: [log in to unmask]
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
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