student struggling

General forum for the UK Keratoconus and self-help group members.

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GarethB
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Location: Warwickshire

Re: student struggling

Postby GarethB » Fri 09 Jan 2009 12:03 pm

As far as I am aware colleges are no different to schools when it comes to studen rights, if it has changed, we have taken a very big step backwards since I was at college over 20 years ago. My college gave me help with printouts, 1:1 tuition because I could not read at the same speed due to the KC and extended deadlines for assignments.

Try contacting your local RNIB center as they work with many education centres to help people with vision disabilities go through mainstream education. it might be worth waving the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) at the College Principle as KC is a recognised disability.

If anyone is using Microsoft Office 2000 or later, there is a voice to text function built in. You do have to train the system, but it did not take me too long to do at work and you can educate it too so my works PC can now recognise some quite complex chemical names.
Gareth

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rosemary johnson
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Contact lenses
Location: East London, UK

Re: student struggling

Postby rosemary johnson » Fri 09 Jan 2009 6:36 pm

Caragh,
Have you tried talking to a Disability EMployment Advisor?
DEAs are based at... well, they used to be at JOb Centres, so I suppose it is whatever jo centres are called now!
You don't have to be signing on; IIRR anyone can go in and ask to see one (they might have to make an appointment for this).
Rosemary

caragh-lyn
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Re: student struggling

Postby caragh-lyn » Mon 12 Jan 2009 3:38 pm

hi everyone
thanx for all your comments they are a great help.
i seen my specialist today and he has said that i have KC in both eyes more in one then the other. this was quite new as i thought i had it in just the one but its ok il get over it.
with regards to college the specialist suggested that we try the contacts as they may be more suited to me and that my vision aint too bad to suggest drastic changes to my college, although he did say not to over do it as i will affect my vision with stress.
we have not been told about a student union in the college i dont know if that is because we're classed as part time or not.
i didnt know there was a disable advicer at the job centre but i will look in to that as soon as possible maybe they can help in putting me in touch with the right places and people.
i apprieciate everyones support and it's great to know i can talk to people that are going through the same things as me or have done.
i think my next step is to try and destress myself and sort out a work routine where i aint doing too much of course work and getting college to fit in with me whether they like it or not. i think cuz i stress doing the course work on time they dont think theres anything wrong and i know thats the worse thing i can do if i want help.
anyway thanx all of you for all your help
im very greatful

caragh

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pepepepe
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC

Re: student struggling

Postby pepepepe » Tue 13 Jan 2009 11:52 pm

I havn't read through the whole topic here, but I wish to comment about "stuggling students"

You can be assessed and if it means you need even someone else talking notes for you that can be arranged, even a tape recorder can funded for etc, contact your councils education department and also the establishment at which you want to study, there are equal rights for disabilities, we haven't come this far for nothing as a civilized nation !

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Karl R
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Re: student struggling

Postby Karl R » Wed 14 Jan 2009 7:54 pm

Caragh,

Regardless of the amount of time spent at your place of post 16 education and whether it be a school, college, centre of further education or university they HAVE to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. From what you have said you are being discriminated against.

I would suggest that you contact your student union and also raise a formal written grievance to the institute's principal. I would also recommend that you contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission's helpline as they may be able to refer your case to the Disability Conciliation Service.

The contact details are:

    England

    0845 604 6610 - main number
    0845 604 6620 - textphone
    0845 604 6630 - fax

    Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline
    Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX
    Arndale House
    Arndale Centre
    Manchester
    M4 3EQ

    Wales

    0845 604 8810 - main number
    0845 604 8820 - textphone
    0845 604 8830 - fax

    Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales
    Freepost RRLR-UEYB-UYZL
    3rd Floor
    3 Callaghan Square
    Cardiff
    CF10 5BT

    Scotland

    0845 604 5510 - Main
    0845 604 5520 - Textphone
    0845 604 5530 - Fax

    Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Scotland
    Freepost RRLL-GYLB-UJTA
    The Optima Building
    58 Robertson Street
    Glasgow
    G2 8DU

    Web enquiry form

Useful publications for you

Code of Practice (revised) for providers of post-16 education and related services

Guide for disabled students and learners - Post-16
There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad. (Salvador Dali 1904-1989)

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Karl R
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Posts: 289
Joined: Sat 05 Nov 2005 9:43 am
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: I have Intacs implanted
Location: Staffordshire

Re: student struggling

Postby Karl R » Wed 14 Jan 2009 8:03 pm

There is a software package that might be useful

Zoomtext 9.1 60 day trial
There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad. (Salvador Dali 1904-1989)


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