Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

In Touch

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Factual: Disability

News, views and information for people who are blind or partially sighted

BBC Radio 4 LW

In Touch: Changes to Disability Students' Allowance; practicalities of 'killing time'

Factual

in-touch_richard-and-topper_130514_e_fiona-anderson.jpg

13/05/2014

Changes to Disability Students' Allowance; practicalities of 'killing time'

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Changes to Disability Students' Allowance; practicalities of 'killing time'

Universities minister David Willetts on proposed cuts to Disabled Students' Allowance.

The government's proposed changes to the equipment and assistance entitlement for disabled students at university, and Richard Lane on the practicalities of 'killing time'.

The government is proposing changes to the Disabled Students' Allowance. Currently students are entitled to up to around £5,000 for equipment such as a computer and assistive technology across their entire course, and up to £20,000 per year for help with performing tasks such as note-taking and sighted guide. The government is proposing to no longer fund a "standard specification computer", arguing that most students would already have access to one. In a further tabled measure, it may no longer fund "non-specialist nonmedical" support for students. We hear from two students who outline the ways in which they use their current Disabled Students' allowance. The National Association of Disability Practitioners is concerned that universities who have made themselves more open and inclusive to students with disabilities, may bear the brunt of the extra costs for funding support for students - they also say that the government hasn't been clear enough in defining non-specialist help.

Universities UK is concerned that, without the assurance of adequate support, students will be reluctant to apply to university. Peter White puts the concerns of the students, the disability practitioners and Universities UK to the Minister for Science and Universities, David Willetts.

Richard Lane lost his sight at the age of twenty-three and gives his perspective of finding ways to "hang out" and "kill time" between appointments when you are visually impaired.

Image:   Richard Lane with his dog, Topper.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

In Touch

Changes to Disability Students' Allowance; practicalities of 'killing time'

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4