Ian LitterickExecutive Chairman, iansyst Ltd

27/5/15Sheffield

Disabled Students' Allowance issues Spring 2015

“25 years without review” “modernisation” “Rebalancing” – HEI’s to be more inclusive,

responsible for reasonable adjustments; Transfer of students with “simple dyslexia”; No longer pay for:

◦ “standard computer”;◦ computer needed for course (eg Mac);◦ most NMH (“most specialist” only);

Equality Act Definition.

Review announced: April 7Review announced: April 7thth 2014 2014

Equipment grant going from £46m 2011/12 (“peak oil”)

To c £27m 2013-14 (40% drop) To c £2.5m 2015-16 (90% further drop); ie computer only funded for VI and

mobility issues; Otherwise mainly software; And then only “complex” dyslexia.

What we thought the What we thought the impact could be:impact could be:

Equipment grant a bit reduced More own kit? Otherwise comparatively small changes? Impact of the £200? contribution? Give the sector a pat on the back?

Now changed and evolving:Now changed and evolving:

Has there been any guidance for you about the £200? How confident are you about the new specs check process?

◦ What about desktops?◦ How long will spec check take? ◦ Internet access OK?◦ What if it passes the spec check but is clogged to the brim/virussed up

or otherwise runs like a dog? Who cleans it up?◦ What if their course needs an Apple Mac? Do they get support from the

HEI? (“contact their institution to determine if the studies can be undertaken on a PC, or if the institution can provide assistance to them accessing the course.”) Who pays the ATSP for the difference? Will assessors be involved? Is it realistic that we will get an official order for the difference from the HEI?

◦ Or will you always argue that there is a disability related reason for the Mac?

Is it the assessor’s job to ask about the student’s ability to fund the £200?

Will the assessor find out if the HEI has a standard offer to students re the £200, and tell them about it?

Will there be/should there be any reference in the NAR? What should the ATSP do if there is difficulty?

◦ Tell the student it is their problem?◦ Contact the assessor?◦ Contact the HEI student support? (How do we find out who?)◦ (At least one Scottish HEI will be funding English students, for equality

reasons, and will pay us by schedule directly)

Will assessors “sell” the value of buying from an ATSP?: the AT knowledge, QAF, one-stop-shop and VAT relief on the computer?

Will assessors establish at assessment whether the student will buy elsewhere or from an ATSP (assuming they do not already have their own suitable machine) – and get quotes to suit?

What if the student then changes their mind – do assessors/ATSPs have to requote?

Will assessors ensure that any system bought in future is up to spec? Will you list relevant specs on NAR?

What should we (all) do if student has a sub standard machine but doesn’t want to spend another £200?◦ Recommend and supply the software anyway? Without warranty?◦ Refuse to supply?

If the student chooses to buy an expensive Mac elsewhere, will SFE fund the (more expensive) warranty and insurance without question? (If an ATSP supplies it, we would have to charge the student the extra over the recommended PC price).

Exceptional case process?

Mobile – anytime, anywhere learning? Paid Apps like Capturatalk?

Complementary to eg R&W, as it is in your pocket always;

Free and low cost apps as recommendations;

AT Training on apps? What else:

Innovation or atrophy?

Lot 1: Computers including operating system and office suite software;

Lot 2: Assistive software; Lot 3: Other items of equipment and

assistive technology.

Lot 4: A one-stop-shop service for DSA students. A procurement to recruit suppliers to process students’ orders, unbox, build/configure and deliver students’ computers, equipment and software bought through Lots 1, 2 and 3.

Lot 5: An aftersales support service, insurance, warranties;

Lot 6:Training for assistive software and equipment.

British Assistive Technology Association; Founded 5 October 2009; Martin Littler of Inclusive Technology; 44 other founding members; DSA underrepresented; www.bataonline.org

To campaign for the rights and interests of those needing Assistive Technology.

To provide expert and impartial support and advice to government departments and agencies.

To educate and inform widely on the benefits of Assistive Technology.

To promote British Assistive Technology products and expertise at home and overseas.

Iansyst LtdFen HouseFen RoadCambridgeCambridgeshireCB4 1UN

Tel: 01223 420 101 07860 926159Email: ian@iansyst.co.uk