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

Isis_Black

bodmil wrote: »

This isn't a case of rich vs poor, I don't think money comes into it. At the end of the day, if you can't assimilate the information that is required independently, and in the vast majority of fields stepping into a library at one point or another, or SIMILAR environment, is inevitable, then that should be reflected to employers.
If you're just doing a degree for fun then it shouldn't matter at the end of it. But, if it is being used as proof of ability, then lack of that ability ought to be noted so it's up to the employer if they want to take on someone who will need more help then other employees.
The library is just an example, I think someone mentioned presentations being an issue, or group discussions, but whatever 'disability' that is, what is the point in saying you are fully competent, if you're not? It needs to be pointed out to an employer, it's only going to come out in the end.

An employer has no need to know about a disability unless you make it known to them the full facts, yes there is a part on an application about disabilities but as you should know there is the disability discrmination act.
everyone is entitied to an education and a job, some are able to learn information like they have a photographic memory others have problems at times.
For me i am able to learn perfecty well on a really good day all that has been organsied for me is when i am on a bad day and not functioning 100%, and not every job anyof us will go into will need all the skills that are used at university, jobs vary and also going to university will help to enable us to manage and cope with those situations we are not comfortable with or have difficulty with.
and to be honest unless you have a disability of some sort you have no idea of how hard it is at time and finding that you have to explain yourself and your problems over and over again.

Indie_Kid

bodmil wrote: »

This isn't a case of rich vs poor, I don't think money comes into it. At the end of the day, if you can't assimilate the information that is required independently, and in the vast majority of fields stepping into a library at one point or another, or SIMILAR environment, is inevitable, then that should be reflected to employers.
If you're just doing a degree for fun then it shouldn't matter at the end of it. But, if it is being used as proof of ability, then lack of that ability ought to be noted so it's up to the employer if they want to take on someone who will need more help then other employees.
The library is just an example, I think someone mentioned presentations being an issue, or group discussions, but whatever 'disability' that is, what is the point in saying you are fully competent, if you're not? It needs to be pointed out to an employer, it's only going to come out in the end.

Lack of ability doesn't come into it. I can do certain things if you give me something slightly different. IE - I can't read or write anything on white paper. if you give me coloured paper, (any colour will do) I can get on with my work fine.

Why should we be penalised for something that is out of our control?

The_One_Who

I can understand bodmil's point of view, although perhaps it is a bit simplistic. If you cannot do presentations (for whatever reason) and your future job involves doing presentations, then they should be told. Although, I can't see why you would apply for a job that requires you to do them if you know you can't.

I am also completely against people getting money to buy books (unless they need them in a specific format such as braille) because that is not fair to the other students. Why should someone get to buy books when others have to fight for them in the library? It's all part of time management.

I have moderate clinical depression, but didn't apply for anything because nothing they can do would help. Giving me extra time, for example, would just allow me to put work off for a bit longer.

Indie_Kid

The_One_Who wrote: »

I am also completely against people getting money to buy books (unless they need them in a specific format such as braille) because that is not fair to the other students. Why should someone get to buy books when others have to fight for them in the library? It's all part of time management.

I have to admit this one thing I've never understood. I get money to buy books - but I have to scan all mine in and then read them. It would mean having to constantly renew them - can't always do this.

The_One_Who

sh1305 wrote: »

I have to admit this one thing I've never understood. I get money to buy books - but I have to scan all mine in and then read them. It would mean having to constantly renew them - can't always do this.

The thing is that not everyone can afford to buy books for themselves, and not everyone has a fast reading speed. I think maybe a photocopy allowance would be better than money for books.

I think that money for books puts that student at a definite advantage over the other students who may only be able to get a few hours with that book.

bitsandpieces

bodmil wrote: »

This isn't a case of rich vs poor, I don't think money comes into it. At the end of the day, if you can't assimilate the information that is required independently, and in the vast majority of fields stepping into a library at one point or another, or SIMILAR environment, is inevitable, then that should be reflected to employers.
If you're just doing a degree for fun then it shouldn't matter at the end of it. But, if it is being used as proof of ability, then lack of that ability ought to be noted so it's up to the employer if they want to take on someone who will need more help then other employees.
The library is just an example, I think someone mentioned presentations being an issue, or group discussions, but whatever 'disability' that is, what is the point in saying you are fully competent, if you're not? It needs to be pointed out to an employer, it's only going to come out in the end.

Degrees in the UK have, with a very few exceptions, not dictated how students got their work done. Passing a degree shows that you can pass a degree. It doesn't - and isn't meant to - show that you can leave your home or walk up a flight of stairs or have 20:20 vision. It also doesn't prove how much - if any - time you spent in the library. If employers want to find out about these things, they need to ask the appropriate questions or conduct appropriate assessments - it's not what a degree is for.

At any rate, employers are bound by the disability discrimination act to make reasonable adjustments for employees (state funding is available for this). Of course, we all have limitations that will stop us from doing certain jobs - my vision's fine for driving, but would bar me from being a fighter pilot :rotfl: - but there is no reason for this to be listed on degree certificates.

MrsManda

The_One_Who wrote: »

The thing is that not everyone can afford to buy books for themselves, and not everyone has a fast reading speed. I think maybe a photocopy allowance would be better than money for books.

The money given isn't dictated as an allowance for buying books as such, or at least it isn't described as such in my assessment, it can just as easily be spent on photocopying. I spend a lot of time in hospital so though the assessment could dictate that I can continually renew library books, this is kinda unfair as it means they're not available in the library for other students whereas having an allowance which means I can buy the book if it's one which gets used throughout my degree or photocopy all the relevant chapters. There's no way DSA would cover me to buy all the books I need for my degree and I agree this is not what it is for but it is very useful to me when I need to photocopy piles of notes because I haven't been able to attend lectures for a week or whatever.

GlasweJen

Lol things haven't changed, I only graduated last year!

Wasn't allowed to submit in blue because all papers had to be anon and if mine was the only blue one then it would be recognisable. No idea why they wouldn't give me the dictaphone when everyone else seemed to get them as standard for learning difficulties which I also have but I just happen to do really well with verbal processing - except when I'm not concious to hear what's being said.

Isis_Black

maybe it depends on the sort of assessor you get!
mine understoody fully my problems as she had suffered in the past with the same difficulties, so she was able to realise the things that i would need to get through the 3 years at uni.
But to anyone who has got an difficulties and can get a letter from your doctor stating the difficulties you have, (you may need to point out to he or she what that letter needs to include) then go and apply, all they can say is yes you are eligable or no your not! there is no harm in trying, especially if it is going to make your time at uni that much better.:T

Amethyst_ice

Just read this post and can i just say i felt personally offended by some of the comments.

I did my first year normal. During my second i had to leave after becoming bed ridden and in so much pain. After days in hospital i was diagnosed with crohns disease. It took me two years to get well (ish) enough and the guts to return to uni, which i did last september.

I applied for disabled student allowence and my assessor had a husband with crohns and understood.

I was offered lots but have only taken what i need out of that, as have lots of people i know.

For instance, i was offered a helper in the library and a note taker. Because they have given me a dictaphone i said that this would be ok and have agreed to only have the helper on a need basis. I know lots of other students who have the help only when they need it.

Although i had a laptop it was 7 years old, could not open many of the documents from uni and was very slow. I got a new one with everything updated which means i can submit everything in the correct format and open files. I had someone come show me how to use it- because it was very new to me so this was helpful.

I got several things like a all in one printer. I also got ink allowence. Most students can easily walk to uni and print things off but when you cannot get out of bed most days or the house the allowences for photocopying and printing are invaluable.

Yes most students have to pay for these but most disabled students will have to print or photocopy lots more due to missed lectures or not being able to sit in the library for hours reading a library only book.

The loan that students get is very low and mine doesnt cover my living..i have to skip lunches quite often and watch my spending to make it last.

Also, i am only in lectures 5 hours a week yet pay the same as those in 40 hours. I see no problem in claiming back some of what i have paid by getting some equipment and help.

I was given some things i insisted i did not need such as a book stand and a voice to text software..however..the other day i found myself needing to use them so the people who assess offer things they know will be used. Trust me- lea's are NOT willing to just hand out things willy nilly! They are very tight fisted!

I think people think 'disabled' as people in wheelchairs and thats it. To the average person i look 'normal' yet i am disabled. The disabled student agreement has also allowed me to apply for exptensions more easily and be helped lots more such as longer library issues and extra exam time. My tutors are made aware of my condition without me having to talk to them directly.

Lots of students have laptops and dictaphones in lectures so no-one stands out, if anything people without these things do!

students are not abusing this system- it is there to help and students get turned down.

lay off those that just try to keep up with their peers.