Disabled Student's Allowance -- worth applying for mental health?

The_One_Who

bitsandpieces wrote: »

It's certainly not the case that every student needs a laptop computer - many don't have them, and many graduate with excellent degrees. If all students had a laptop, universities could save a fortune on computer suites etc! Some disabled students do need a laptop so that they can take it to their lectures, run specialist software, etc. It's quite reasonable that public funding is used to give a laptop to those who need it due to disability and not to those who don't.

If universities provide inadequate computer facilities (I've never heard of one as oversubscribed as you describe) that's something that should be taken up with the university. Poor IT facilities for the student body as a whole isn't a reason why less government money should be used for provisions for disabled students - would you also view it as a reason not to bother with ramps, lifts etc?

I don't believe I ever said that every student gets a laptop given to them. I did say that pretty much all students will have access to their own private computer, which is paid for by themselves out of a loan that is largely inadequate for most people's needs.

Again, I have no problems with a student who is granted equipment that is necessary to put themselves on a level playing field with others. I, personally, don't believe a laptop/desktop is required for this. Let's just think, for a moment, that the computer itself was not offered only the software. I would be willing to bet that students would have access to their own computer.

My university's facilities are far from poor, the library is one of the best in Europe. Every year more and more computers are being added, to the detriment of those who want desk space. They need to balance this so that both sides are happy. It's a case of it being exceptionally busy with tens of thousands of students all needing the resources at the same time.

Indie_Kid

The_One_Who wrote: »

I would be willing to bet that students would have access to their own computer.

This question is asked before desktops / laptops are issued. I honestly replied "yes; but it's a shared computer."

The_One_Who

sh1305 wrote: »

This question is asked before desktops / laptops are issued. I honestly replied "yes; but it's a shared computer."

Then why are they still given?

It shouldn't matter if it is shared or not. Those students not fortunate enough to have their own computer have to share and use the university ones, for example. It wouldn't be too hard for a library to set aside two or three computers with the software installed that can be booked by students who need them. If they feel they need a computer for private use then a student (disabled or not) would buy one.

bitsandpieces

The_One_Who wrote: »

I don't believe I ever said that every student gets a laptop given to them. I did say that pretty much all students will have access to their own private computer, which is paid for by themselves out of a loan that is largely inadequate for most people's needs.

Apologies - I should have said that many students don't have either a laptop or desktop and still come out with excellent degrees. Many students also have access to a computer an ancient computer that would be unsuitable for specialist software and may be too unreliable if it is essential for work - I used to use a machine cobbled together from discarded parts and with the case held together with gaffer tape

The point still stands, anyway. As much as anything else, even if students do have access to a computer at home, this won't be sufficient if they need a laptop in lectures due to disability.

The_One_Who

bitsandpieces wrote: »

The point still stands, anyway. As much as anything else, even if students do have access to a computer at home, this won't be sufficient if they need a laptop in lectures due to disability.

Why would someone need a computer in a lecture? There are note-takers, dictaphones, etc. all available. I'm sure in some cases a laptop can be justified, but certainly not in all, or even most, cases.

Amethyst_ice

The_One_Who wrote: »

Then why are they still given?

It shouldn't matter if it is shared or not. Those students not fortunate enough to have their own computer have to share and use the university ones, for example. It wouldn't be too hard for a library to set aside two or three computers with the software installed that can be booked by students who need them. If they feel they need a computer for private use then a student (disabled or not) would buy one.

so how would you first get round things where student need to use dragon (voice to text) software..lots of soundproof rooms cannot be created and also how would students get to these facilities when they may not be able to get out of bed!

The facilities i have been given allow me to work when and where i need...sometimes in hospital!

University computor suites are busy at the best of times i agree but such as myself, my condition varies frm day to day so say i did book a time and as such had a flare up i would miss out. Having the software myself means that i can work when i am well enough...

like someone said i often feel better at late times when places are shut so having the equipment to hand helps.

I have to print and photocopy more than most students because i cannot sit in the library for ages and also to download lecture notes..yes i read them online but it is comfier to read lying down than stare at a computor screen at times.

The_One_Who

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

so how would you first get round things where student need to use dragon (voice to text) software..lots of soundproof rooms cannot be created and also how would students get to these facilities when they may not be able to get out of bed!

The facilities i have been given allow me to work when and where i need...sometimes in hospital!

University computor suites are busy at the best of times i agree but such as myself, my condition varies frm day to day so say i did book a time and as such had a flare up i would miss out. Having the software myself means that i can work when i am well enough...

like someone said i often feel better at late times when places are shut so having the equipment to hand helps.

I have to print and photocopy more than most students because i cannot sit in the library for ages and also to download lecture notes..yes i read them online but it is comfier to read lying down than stare at a computor screen at times.

All of those would be exactly the same if you had your own computer. I fully support giving access to specialist software which could be put onto your own computer/laptop.

I cannot sit and read pages and pages on a screen. I need to print articles out if I cannot get access to a paper copy. I think you'll find that most students prefer to read paper than on the screen. I don't have my own printer and so need to use the university ones, which at busy times means joining a queue. It's far from ideal for anyone, but it's what happens.

Just like all disabled people are different, all non-disabled people are different. Not everyone can work from 9-5, for example my friend is a bit nocturnal and so does all his studying at night. It's not a disability, it's just when he can work best for some reason, but he cannot get access to a library or whatever at 3am. He needed to buy all his own stuff.

Amethyst_ice

The_One_Who wrote: »

All of those would be exactly the same if you had your own computer. I fully support giving access to specialist software which could be put onto your own computer/laptop.

I cannot sit and read pages and pages on a screen. I need to print articles out if I cannot get access to a paper copy. I think you'll find that most students prefer to read paper than on the screen. I don't have my own printer and so need to use the university ones, which at busy times means joining a queue. It's far from ideal for anyone, but it's what happens.

Just like all disabled people are different, all non-disabled people are different. Not everyone can work from 9-5, for example my friend is a bit nocturnal and so does all his studying at night. It's not a disability, it's just when he can work best for some reason, but he cannot get access to a library or whatever at 3am. He needed to buy all his own stuff.

Omg...seriously!! have you read what i have put in previous messages ...so would you rather disabled students who have physical pain/are in hospital lots just fail their course because they are unable to stand in a que to print for the same length of time as a 'normal' person?

I suppose you do not agree with people getting a carer allowence or any other benefits..oh which btw if i do recall..benefit means something to help someone.

This is HELP, a normal student could find a sponsor if money was such an issue or if money was really an issue they could take time off to save. I personally could not get a good enough job with my condition to save for a degree so take the small amount of help i am offered..

Do you not agree that i get exra time in exams as well? The time i get is of great help because during a really bad flare i can go to the toilet every 5 mins..calculate how much time i have lost in my exam there...a normal healthy person doesnt have that!

I guess you would not want universities installing lifts or ramps either because 'other people have to use the stairs'...clearly any money not spent on you is spent wrongly.

we all pay taxes and if we can get some help back from our contributions then what is wrong with that?

Amethyst_ice

oh and one other thing-

the students that reg go out, spend £30/£40 a night on taxis.drinks..buy Wii's, flashy clothing etc...i suppose its really sad that they cant buy a laptop because their loan wont stretch to it?

I go out maybe once a month and cannot drink..i spend my loan wisely and budget.

If other students cannot look after the money they are given responsibly and thus find themselves short...

student loans do not factor in extra expenses many disabled people endure like specialist diets, medication,extra toiletries,transport to and from hospital.....

i just think you should think about the average expenditure most students endure but then factor in the extra disabled things i have said and think how you would feel..i am sure if you recieved some equipment help you would not be saying this.

The_One_Who

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

Omg...seriously!! have you read what i have put in previous messages ...so would you rather disabled students who have physical pain/are in hospital lots just fail their course because they are unable to stand in a que to print for the same length of time as a 'normal' person?

I suppose you do not agree with people getting a carer allowence or any other benefits..oh which btw if i do recall..benefit means something to help someone.

This is HELP, a normal student could find a sponsor if money was such an issue or if money was really an issue they could take time off to save. I personally could not get a good enough job with my condition to save for a degree so take the small amount of help i am offered..

Do you not agree that i get exra time in exams as well? The time i get is of great help because during a really bad flare i can go to the toilet every 5 mins..calculate how much time i have lost in my exam there...a normal healthy person doesnt have that!

I guess you would not want universities installing lifts or ramps either because 'other people have to use the stairs'...clearly any money not spent on you is spent wrongly.

we all pay taxes and if we can get some help back from our contributions then what is wrong with that?

I have obviously hit a nerve. Please refer me to where I said any of that.

I have said time and again that I agree with giving students help. It is when it goes beyond leveling the playing field that it becomes an issue for me.

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

oh and one other thing-

the students that reg go out, spend £30/£40 a night on taxis.drinks..buy Wii's, flashy clothing etc...i suppose its really sad that they cant buy a laptop because their loan wont stretch to it?

I go out maybe once a month and cannot drink..i spend my loan wisely and budget.

If other students cannot look after the money they are given responsibly and thus find themselves short...

student loans do not factor in extra expenses many disabled people endure like specialist diets, medication,extra toiletries,transport to and from hospital.....

i just think you should think about the average expenditure most students endure but then factor in the extra disabled things i have said and think how you would feel..i am sure if you recieved some equipment help you would not be saying this.

I think you are making far, far more assumptions than me.

I cannot afford to move out, as I have already said. I haven't been out in more than two years. Even when I did I never spent more than £25. People can choose to spend their loan on what they want, and when it comes to applying for things like hardship loans/grants bank statements and all purchases are looked at.