DSA assesment cost £720!
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Original post by Klix88
Mature students get SF on the same basis as other students. It is intended to be a contribution towards your uni life expenses, not to provide you with financial security. That remains your responsibility.
Unis are academic organisations - there's only so much they can do for someone with health issues. The ultimate sanction is that they can declare you unfit to study and withdraw you from your course - being given three attempts at your third year is very unusual. Your health ultimately remains your own responsibility.
After spending 20+ years in the workplace, that's not the case. A former boyfriend was sacked over the summer because he took too much time off sick after nearly dropping dead from a brain haemorrhage. It can be brutal.
Unis are academic organisations - there's only so much they can do for someone with health issues. The ultimate sanction is that they can declare you unfit to study and withdraw you from your course - being given three attempts at your third year is very unusual. Your health ultimately remains your own responsibility.
After spending 20+ years in the workplace, that's not the case. A former boyfriend was sacked over the summer because he took too much time off sick after nearly dropping dead from a brain haemorrhage. It can be brutal.
Mature students do NOT have a sponsor when going to university like a younger student and do NOT have their sponsors income taken into account. Its entirely different. I've just requested all my noted from SFE as what the advisors said was not what happened, sure its effort to hold them responsible but I always get there in the end.
I gather your former boyfriend declined to hold his employer accountable, like so many of the people on this forum if you don't seek accountability you won't get it. His employer would have gone through due process if not they are accountable, thats the problem with SFE and University's, there is NO accountability for the difference between what they say and what they do. I've been in workplace for a long time also doing some serious public service roles and the level of protection you have depends on how far you are willing to go to get it.
Which brings me back to original question, how does a DSA assessment which apparently involves travel claims and covers a range of different assessments requiring a different amount of time attract a blanket fee of £720? It doesn't, its just the willingness of students to accept what they hear is gospel.
(edited 7 years ago)
DSA is to help ensure that students with disabilities have the same level of oppertunity to learn as their peers. It is not for treatment. There are alot of options avaliable to help those with mental health problems. Such as a mental health mentor, note takers, dictaphones and also identifying what reccomendations should be in learning support plans such as giving presentations to a small group of people rather than the whole class, allowing a higher.
The cost of the assesment is high but you dont physicaly have to pay it. The assessors have to know how to use different technologies that may be appropriate, then there is the use of the room, time (my assement took 2 hours) the time.that the assessor takes to write up the report, travel costs as not all Unis have assessment centers.
Non mature students do not have a sponsor, they are not all in a position where their parents are able to contribute. The only difference is that their student finance is calculated from their parents pay rather than your own.
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The cost of the assesment is high but you dont physicaly have to pay it. The assessors have to know how to use different technologies that may be appropriate, then there is the use of the room, time (my assement took 2 hours) the time.that the assessor takes to write up the report, travel costs as not all Unis have assessment centers.
Non mature students do not have a sponsor, they are not all in a position where their parents are able to contribute. The only difference is that their student finance is calculated from their parents pay rather than your own.
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Original post by Ella2b
DSA is to help ensure that students with disabilities have the same level of oppertunity to learn as their peers. It is not for treatment. There are alot of options avaliable to help those with mental health problems. Such as a mental health mentor, note takers, dictaphones and also identifying what reccomendations should be in learning support plans such as giving presentations to a small group of people rather than the whole class, allowing a higher.
The cost of the assesment is high but you dont physicaly have to pay it. The assessors have to know how to use different technologies that may be appropriate, then there is the use of the room, time (my assement took 2 hours) the time.that the assessor takes to write up the report, travel costs as not all Unis have assessment centers.
Non mature students do not have a sponsor, they are not all in a position where their parents are able to contribute. The only difference is that their student finance is calculated from their parents pay rather than your own.
Posted from TSR Mobile
The cost of the assesment is high but you dont physicaly have to pay it. The assessors have to know how to use different technologies that may be appropriate, then there is the use of the room, time (my assement took 2 hours) the time.that the assessor takes to write up the report, travel costs as not all Unis have assessment centers.
Non mature students do not have a sponsor, they are not all in a position where their parents are able to contribute. The only difference is that their student finance is calculated from their parents pay rather than your own.
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Thats not the point though is it, it does not represent value of money to the tax payer charging £720 for expenses that may or may not be incurred. Thats just extortion, we went through the same scenario with MP's.
Dont worry i'll find out from someone that knows what they are talkimg about as to how they arrive at a blanket cost.
It seems to me that you are determined to disagree with everyone here who responds to your posts. So now it's the taxpayer you are concerned about?
My assessment took over 2 hours. You've already been told what's involved in carrying out those assessments. They require time, specialised skills, submitting reports, travel.. Would you want someone who is unskilled doing this job? I'm sure you would be as vocal about that as you are being here.
Can I also remind you that not everyone believes what they are told by universities or any other organisation for that matter. At 68, I have enough know-how about me not to believe everything I am told. I have taken on a few organisations in my time- the NHS, housing authorities, education departments, the Catholic Church, and I have got satisfaction each time.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to access the Disability services from my university which have not only supported my learning but also in my personal life.
Why should the cost matter to you if you are not covering it personally?
It seems to me from your posts that you have been able to repeat study more than once which is a choice not open to many.
It is insulting to those here who have advised you and given you factual information regarding your query, that because they won't agree with you, you claim they don't know what they are talking about.
My assessment took over 2 hours. You've already been told what's involved in carrying out those assessments. They require time, specialised skills, submitting reports, travel.. Would you want someone who is unskilled doing this job? I'm sure you would be as vocal about that as you are being here.
Can I also remind you that not everyone believes what they are told by universities or any other organisation for that matter. At 68, I have enough know-how about me not to believe everything I am told. I have taken on a few organisations in my time- the NHS, housing authorities, education departments, the Catholic Church, and I have got satisfaction each time.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to access the Disability services from my university which have not only supported my learning but also in my personal life.
Why should the cost matter to you if you are not covering it personally?
It seems to me from your posts that you have been able to repeat study more than once which is a choice not open to many.
It is insulting to those here who have advised you and given you factual information regarding your query, that because they won't agree with you, you claim they don't know what they are talking about.
Original post by Seamus123
It seems to me that you are determined to disagree with everyone here who responds to your posts. So now it's the taxpayer you are concerned about?
My assessment took over 2 hours. You've already been told what's involved in carrying out those assessments. They require time, specialised skills, submitting reports, travel.. Would you want someone who is unskilled doing this job? I'm sure you would be as vocal about that as you are being here.
Can I also remind you that not everyone believes what they are told by universities or any other organisation for that matter. At 68, I have enough know-how about me not to believe everything I am told. I have taken on a few organisations in my time- the NHS, housing authorities, education departments, the Catholic Church, and I have got satisfaction each time.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to access the Disability services from my university which have not only supported my learning but also in my personal life.
Why should the cost matter to you if you are not covering it personally?
It seems to me from your posts that you have been able to repeat study more than once which is a choice not open to many.
It is insulting to those here who have advised you and given you factual information regarding your query, that because they won't agree with you, you claim they don't know what they are talking about.
My assessment took over 2 hours. You've already been told what's involved in carrying out those assessments. They require time, specialised skills, submitting reports, travel.. Would you want someone who is unskilled doing this job? I'm sure you would be as vocal about that as you are being here.
Can I also remind you that not everyone believes what they are told by universities or any other organisation for that matter. At 68, I have enough know-how about me not to believe everything I am told. I have taken on a few organisations in my time- the NHS, housing authorities, education departments, the Catholic Church, and I have got satisfaction each time.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to access the Disability services from my university which have not only supported my learning but also in my personal life.
Why should the cost matter to you if you are not covering it personally?
It seems to me from your posts that you have been able to repeat study more than once which is a choice not open to many.
It is insulting to those here who have advised you and given you factual information regarding your query, that because they won't agree with you, you claim they don't know what they are talking about.
Much like SFE you only seem to have the scrpited answer available to you and cannot divulge beyond it. If you read the original post you'll see thats exactly what I was asking. The reason I got to study three times is because I find out exactly what is going on, why wouldn't you seek fair value in any government paid scheme? That is everyone's responsibility. If you dont question and seek answers nothing changes, and all these things are taught at university! Continuous improvement, acountabilty etc.
All I wanted to know is how a blanket cost applies to each assesment which has a different level of involvment each time, different expenses etc. It plainly doesnt make sense. A question which no one here knows the answer to.
Why in one of the most extortionate education systems in the world would you consider yourself fortunate?
I've had an email back from an assesor this morning that says £720 is the maximum an assesment centre is allowed to charge, so thats the reason why. If you shop around an individual assesor will come to you for less, in this case £500 and I get a breakdown of where that cost goes. So as suspected its about extracting as much money as possible without any accountability. Clearly this system needs regulating.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by r4dly
Mature students do NOT have a sponsor when going to university like a younger student and do NOT have their sponsors income taken into account. Its entirely different. I've just requested all my noted from SFE as what the advisors said was not what happened, sure its effort to hold them responsible but I always get there in the end.
Before I applied to uni aged 43, I confirmed in advance what SF I would get, I planned my life and saved so I could have a comfortable life as a student. I didn't apply to uni until I was sure I could afford it. That was my responsibility. I didn't just resign from my job and expect SF to provide me with financial security. That would have been daft.
Which brings me back to original question, how does a DSA assessment which apparently involves travel claims and covers a range of different assessments requiring a different amount of time attract a blanket fee of £720? It doesn't, its just the willingness of students to accept what they hear is gospel.
I guess I don't understand why you're prioritising this issue. You have health problems which are obviously exacerbated by stress and you're on your third attempt at your third year. You have bigger issues on your plate than consumer rights - especially something which has no material effect on you other than annoying you as a matter principle. In your shoes I'd prioritise my health then my studies rather than tilting at windmills. But as you've established that nobody here can answer your question to your satisfaction, I suppose the discussion has concluded.
In the nicest way possible, you do need to get over this and stop overthinking this. It's not costing you any money. DSA is money allocated to you. There's a maximum allocated for each thing. (the assessment, equipment, non-medical helpers, etc) They're not taking any money from anything they may allocate to you.
Original post by Klix88
Before I applied to uni aged 43, I confirmed in advance what SF I would get, I planned my life and saved so I could have a comfortable life as a student. I didn't apply to uni until I was sure I could afford it. That was my responsibility. I didn't just resign from my job and expect SF to provide me with financial security. That would have been daft.
I guess I don't understand why you're prioritising this issue. You have health problems which are obviously exacerbated by stress and you're on your third attempt at your third year. You have bigger issues on your plate than consumer rights - especially something which has no material effect on you other than annoying you as a matter principle. In your shoes I'd prioritise my health then my studies rather than tilting at windmills. But as you've established that nobody here can answer your question to your satisfaction, I suppose the discussion has concluded.
I guess I don't understand why you're prioritising this issue. You have health problems which are obviously exacerbated by stress and you're on your third attempt at your third year. You have bigger issues on your plate than consumer rights - especially something which has no material effect on you other than annoying you as a matter principle. In your shoes I'd prioritise my health then my studies rather than tilting at windmills. But as you've established that nobody here can answer your question to your satisfaction, I suppose the discussion has concluded.
Thats what I did but got an email on he second day of term last year to say the assesment was incorrect and SFE would have to look again, that took until december so had to leave student accomdation and ended up in a halfway house. It was an awful situation to be in.
I guess i'm just completely mistrustfull now of anything they are involved in. Once you get let down like that you wont be let down again so now I question everything they do, more than once.
Original post by r4dly
Thats what I did but got an email on he second day of term last year to say the assesment was incorrect and SFE would have to look again, that took until december so had to leave student accomdation and ended up in a halfway house. It was an awful situation to be in.
I guess i'm just completely mistrustfull now of anything they are involved in. Once you get let down like that you wont be let down again so now I question everything they do, more than once.
I guess i'm just completely mistrustfull now of anything they are involved in. Once you get let down like that you wont be let down again so now I question everything they do, more than once.
I certainly understand your mistrust and need for detail - you've obviously been treated very shabbily. However I wonder if this specific issue might be better pursued after you've graduated? You clearly feel very passionate about it as a consumer rights/value for tax dollar issue, but the £720 charge has no direct effect on the services/facilities you get from DSA. It feels like a waste of your precious time, energy and attention just at the moment. Good luck, whatever you decide.
Original post by Klix88
I certainly understand your mistrust and need for detail - you've obviously been treated very shabbily. However I wonder if this specific issue might be better pursued after you've graduated? You clearly feel very passionate about it as a consumer rights/value for tax dollar issue, but the £720 charge has no direct effect on the services/facilities you get from DSA. It feels like a waste of your precious time, energy and attention just at the moment. Good luck, whatever you decide.
yeah, thats what happens with mental illness, you do mental things.Original post by r4dly yeah, thats what happens with mental illness, you do mental things.
yeah, thats what happens with mental illness, you do mental things.Recognising that it's potentially a symptom rather than a problem which demands immediate attention, is the first step to getting it in its correct place on your priority list. Hope things work out
Original post by Lovesick
Surely it is the provider who you should be complaining about, not SFE/SFW etc. And counselling is treatment. DSA isn't to pay for medical expenses.
Councelling is free from the uni, why would I complain about hundreds of providers? illogical, The Student Loans Company and SFE set the standard, the providers just follow the rules laid down. None of the kudos laiden posters on this forum knew that anyway so I dont know why they bothered trying to answer.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by r4dly
Councelling is free from the uni, why would I complain about hundreds of providers? illogical, The Student Loans Company and SFE set the standard, the providers just follow the rules laid down. None of the kudos laiden posters on this forum knew that anyway so I dont know why they bothered trying to answer.
The maximum is set by the government now. Not SFE/SFE/SAAS/SFNI.
Original post by Lovesick
The maximum is set by the government now. Not SFE/SFE/SAAS/SFNI.
The Student Loans Company is a government company and acts as an umbrella for SFE, check it out! Read their annual report etc. Ive only dealt with SFE but i'd imagine all those you have listed are just regional offices of that one organisation. If you look into the freedom of information requests made and go and speak to the finance department at your uni youll get a really good picture of the whole setup, their staff turnover is unreal. Ive had to do all that hence getting three attempts at the final year. Phone them and ask who their MD is, they dont have a clue! Some even said 'we are not that kind of company' lol.
(edited 7 years ago)
Check out http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/584/pdfs/uksi_20160584_en.pdf where it reads Laid Before Parliament.
Please stop fretting about this, and stop belittling and arguing with the (clearly knowledgeable, kind and helpful) people who have given their advice in this thread. The advice you asked for by posting. If you don't like it, ignore it.
Please stop fretting about this, and stop belittling and arguing with the (clearly knowledgeable, kind and helpful) people who have given their advice in this thread. The advice you asked for by posting. If you don't like it, ignore it.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by Lovesick
Check out
Please stop fretting about this, and stop belittling and arguing with the (clearly knowledgeable, kind and helpful) people who have given their advice in this thread. The advice you asked for by posting. If you don't like it, ignore it.
Well, welcome to the internet and take your own advice!
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