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Post by optomistic65 on May 16, 2011 7:23:31 GMT
Does anyone know if a diagnosis of inattentive ADD would be sufficient to qualify for disabled students allowance and if so what kinds of learning aids are available?
I'm not dyslexic but sometimes when i'm reading text on a page the writing seems to fade and the white of the paper becomes really prominent and I end up seeing zig zags of white lines! I have used a highlighter to help the text stand out, to such an extent that the print on whole pages is highlighted. Has anyone else done this?
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Post by snickerz on May 16, 2011 7:39:22 GMT
depends on what corse you are doing, i will be doing an nc in computing and will get nothing as soon as i go hnc i will be entitled to it
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Post by snickerz on May 16, 2011 7:40:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2011 7:42:48 GMT
Hi Optomistic, Cant help with the student allowance part sorry. but when i was at school i used to use a piece of A4 clear colored plastic as i used to have the same kind of thing when reading. i suggest u head of to a craft shop and take something to read and try some different colour sheets to see what colour helps you. not sure of the sience of it but it certainly help me! hope this helps
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Post by optomistic65 on May 16, 2011 7:49:40 GMT
Thanks for the advice, I know that the course I am studying would qualify for DSA.
Thanks Help that a really good tip!
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Post by snickerz on May 16, 2011 7:51:51 GMT
or above link lol, you will get help as ahdh is seen as a learning disablity, they will access you, also they will test you for dyslexia if they think you have it
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Post by optomistic65 on May 16, 2011 7:56:35 GMT
Thanks for the link Snickerz ;D
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Post by snickerz on May 16, 2011 7:59:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2011 8:04:02 GMT
haha i nearly got all the credit there sinx and no probs opto!
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2011 10:31:52 GMT
or above link lol, you will get help as ahdh is seen as a learning disablity, they will access you, also they will test you for dyslexia if they think you have it Yeah - DSA can be available as ADHD is a recognised disability. The benefits will vary according to your identified needs and could be extensions, more personal attention, coaching, recording devices, revisions to your schedule, maybe a laptop (there's probably more but that's a selection of some of the more common accommodations). Don't think of it as taking advantage - you're maximising your potential and it benefits ALL of us.
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Post by goosey on May 16, 2011 12:34:43 GMT
Hey optimistic, The whole highlighter on the page sounds like a dyslexic feature. I have colour overlays (and colour lenses in my specs) to help the text standout from the page. Before that I used to have loads of highlighter pens to do exactly what you do ! Go to your Student Support Department and ask for help with reading because the writing jiggles around on the page. Tell them you highlight text to help you read. They should screen you and then refer you for a dyslexic assessment. My friend at uni had this problem, she got the DSA from that alone. My DSA equipment and tutorials covers both dyslexia and adhd. Go see them ASAP as it takes a while to arrange and complete.
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Post by optomistic65 on May 16, 2011 14:28:08 GMT
Thanks for the encouragement Dave, you must have been reading my mind LOL
And thank you Goosey, if I hadn't read your other posts on the subject I wouldn't have known about DSA or that I could be eligible. I am studying for a degree in natural science with the OU and I have just completed their DSA application form ;D
XX
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Post by goosey on May 16, 2011 19:55:48 GMT
Yeahhh.....you go girl and good luck.
I studied with the OU before my current course and they were great. Arranged a separate exam room plus extra time, when I had back issues sitting for a 3 hr exam !!
That's what this forum is all about.....helping each other ;D
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Post by christvswarhol on May 19, 2011 1:52:33 GMT
......am just on this road myself.....have gotten assessment of needs back but it doesn't include adhd diagnosis as i just got it so might have to re-do?
I have gotten no support for dyslexic type issues they dont seem to think it applies to my subject??? despite it being in the report and highlighting other issues as well...
so far i have been given one hour a week with well being mentor which has been great but has been dominated by 'other' things rather than well-being because they gave me a dyslexia mentor for dyscalculia...but then i realised it was really helpful just before they cut it!!!!!!!!!
I have been offered all the bog standard shit like a dictaphone, a PC, printing allowances and a talking calculator (LOL)....apparently these are the only things i need...........
Not sniffing at that but perhaps all that money would have been better spent in an adhd coach? Just feel fobbed off.....
Am going through extenuating circumstances which seems even more gruelling in a lot of respects as they don't consider a learning difficulty or mental health issue to be an adequate reason alone for this...which is fair i guess.....no actually it isnt lol....
.....so i am hoping to get it on the fact i knew nothing about any of this AT ALL!! My partner is telling me to stop lying down and accepting what they give me and start fighting for what i need to actually achieve this degree...but it is easy said......
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2011 21:21:04 GMT
Hiya
I should be able to let you know soon! Ive just had mine in the post and filled them in this week, admin sent them out to me as i declared my ADD on my UCAS app for Uni.
I dont know what help is available as yet but my husband received support at UNI with his dyslexia so i cant see why not?
I sent a letter from the adhd clinic as evidence so they can contact them if need be? Simone xx
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Post by christvswarhol on May 20, 2011 22:45:35 GMT
Hiya I should be able to let you know soon! Ive just had mine in the post and filled them in this week, admin sent them out to me as i declared my ADD on my UCAS app for Uni. I dont know what help is available as yet but my husband received support at UNI with his dyslexia so i cant see why not? I sent a letter from the adhd clinic as evidence so they can contact them if need be? Simone xx ;D Nice one!!!!
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Post by optomistic65 on May 21, 2011 9:43:38 GMT
Hi CvW and Simone,
I sent my application off a few days ago with my ADHD diagnosis so i'll keep you posted.
I was a bit stumped about what to put on the "Please describe your disability in more detail below and explain how you think it will affect your OU studies" section. I put down that my laptop screen is really dark and small (an old Lenovo 14.1" screen) that is hard to see and I have to print off most written material and highlight the words to read them. And I have trouble with organisation and concentration. The trouble is you don't know what could help you if you don't know what's available!
Does anyone have any ideas about which laptops are best? I used to have an Acer 19" with a crystal bright screen and it was so much better.
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Post by goosey on May 21, 2011 12:33:38 GMT
To help you guys understand what can be provided. Here is a list of equipment (from my DSA) that is the most useful - 1. Digital recorder For lectures....although I find it best for recording tutorials (as you don't have crappy questions from other students or the fire alarm !!). Can use it to record revision notes, listen to it as you do other stuff. 2. 15" laptopThe screen is large enough to read everything and yet still portable. 3. Software"Read and Write" (speaks the sentences you highlight) so get audible input which helps concentration. You can set this to speak the sentence you have just typed (useful for revision notes and essay writing - for grammar and structure) "Inspiration" Mind Maps - this is fab, it really helps me to structure my thinking and understanding. I use this all the time. You can use different kinds of maps ie ideas, brainstorming, hierarchy. You can copy and paste pictures on and type around it.....fab for anatomy and physiology. 4. Book allowance I've used up all of mine this year - I like to highlight sections in books and write on them. Can't do that with library books ! Doesn't apply for the Core Books though. 5. Academic Support Tutorials This is really helpful. They help work out strategies to work to your strengths. They have helped with planning a revision programme, and battled my case when I wanted to delay stuff. I've had 10 this year, but they are asking for 20 for next year (final year with dissertation !!) 6. Printer and Paper ConsumablesI print off loads of stuff as I like to have it to hand, rather than on my computer. I don't feel that I have to restrict myself, due to expense of printer cartridges. All easy to claim back, just send your receipt with a copy letter to the DSA provider, usually refunded within 7-10 days. Hope this helps guys
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Post by goosey on May 21, 2011 12:41:19 GMT
Hey optimistic, The Needs Provider (who you see after your DSA is approved) - recommends all the equipment, including the make of laptop. You can upgrade it (memory, speed, screen size etc) before it's ordered....but you will have to pay the extra dosh. The Needs Provider writes a report on what you need, sends you a copy to approve. Then sends out for 3 quotes. The DSA provider will choose the company (usually the cheapest). I'm very happy with my equipment. I didn't upgrade as happy with the recommendations.
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Post by optomistic65 on May 21, 2011 16:01:48 GMT
Thanks for that Goosey, the speak what you type and mind mapping software sound really good for me. X
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2011 21:53:42 GMT
God hope i get the funding for the laptop, no way i could use mine too small...And the software sounds good..Thanks for the info!!
What courses are you girls studying?? XX
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Post by goosey on May 21, 2011 22:21:37 GMT
Hey simone,
I'm going to be a physio-terrorist ;D
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Post by dizzydumpling on May 21, 2011 23:10:13 GMT
5. Academic Support Tutorials This is really helpful. They help work out strategies to work to your strengths. They have helped with planning a revision programme, and battled my case when I wanted to delay stuff. I've had 10 this year, but they are asking for 20 for next year (final year with dissertation !!) Thanks goosey, that is helpful - no 5 is the main reason I'm pursuing a dx - don't see how I'm going to get through dissertation year wthout this kind of help. Like Optomistic65 said, the voice & mind-mapping software sound really useful - I might see how expensive this is to buy anyway - or see if I can find a knock off nigel who specialises in niche software ;D
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Post by optomistic65 on May 23, 2011 7:38:47 GMT
God I hope I get a new laptop, mine keeps blue screening on me.
I have heard that they prefer Macs has anyone else heard or experienced that? My daughter has a Mac and the screen is lovely, very sharp and bright.
What laptop did you get Goosey? What was the basic spec offered to you?
X
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Post by goosey on May 23, 2011 8:36:38 GMT
Hey optomistic, My DSA is from the NHS and they prefer pc's to macs due to the cost. I have a 15" MacBook but had to battle for it. I have an iMac at home and use apps from my iPhone to help me learn. It's the basic spech MacBook (as seen on the apple website). The additional software makes it special ! All the other physio students in my yr with DSA's have pc's with windows and they all love them. Crossing my fingers for you
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Post by forgetnotme on May 23, 2011 10:07:07 GMT
hi everyone haven't been around much lately but just wanted to add my experience. After trying for nearly 7 months to sort out my DSA I had a visit from a needs assessor on Friday. I have been assessed on ADHD and Meares-Irlen syndrome(visual disturbance). I'm waiting for the report but his recomendations include - laptop computer coz i don't always work in the same place. this will have all relevant software ie full office
- maths talk and maths reading software (i don't read or write fast)
- mentor for motivation to keep me on track
- maths tutor to try to help with retention of maths and see if I can access the knowledge in my brain as well as to help me to work through maths problems. I often forget having met a topic before.
- As part of my course I have to attend a weeks summer school and he suggested a companion/notetaker
- a digital recorder
- a tutor for the new software
- and of course I can't remember..... oh yes extra time in exams. He offered me a home exam but that seemed weird and declined so he thinks some one to read my exam paper for me, a separate room so i can talk to myself to my hearts content. think i may ask for music too as I always work to specific music to keep my "chattering brain" occupied. was offered a writer as well. oh and breaks as well.
- and a paper and ink allowance
- oh how could I forget the tinted lenses I use
I thought christmas had come. the OU had said I would need a dyslexia dx for all the exam stuff but it would appear not. anyway what I wanted to emphasize was that I was assessed on the basis of ADHD. I suppose he could have taken the Meares Irlen as dyslexia based but thats not the case as I asked if that was the case and he said not. if I can help let me know. I have had quite a struggle to get this far(two and a half years for dx and seven months to sort dsa) but if I can ease somebody elses passage I will.
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Post by optomistic65 on May 23, 2011 12:58:31 GMT
Hi Forgetmenot,
I'm studying with the OU as well, i'm working towards a degree in natural science, how about you?
I'm interested to know how they choose a laptop for you, do they offer you certain makes and you can choose from them?
How do they assess your tutoring needs and do you get to choose a tutor who lives nearby?
How's the mentor thing going to work?
Sorry for the interogation LOL
X
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Post by optomistic65 on May 23, 2011 14:05:03 GMT
Hi Goosey,
Is your laptop a MacBook Pro because I can't find a 15" basic MacBook on the apple website? When you say you had to fight for it what kind of resistance did you come up against?
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Post by forgetnotme on May 23, 2011 14:23:23 GMT
hi optomistic65 I assume that the needs assessor is au fait with what computer is needed for the software you use. both the OU software ,if you have any, and any software they are reccommending for you. I use a netbook which he dismissed out of hand without looking at its spec. My assessor asked where I study and did I always work in the same place. because I told him I vary the places I work according to how my mood takes me he said ok we need a laptop, coz it needs to be portable. he asked me if I had a scanner and I told him I use a printer/scanner so as that is in as fixed place not sure if i'll get a separate scanner. If you know what kind of computer you want/need then discuss it with your assessor. I'm assuming you haven't been assessed yet. I never thought about having reading/writing software but he seemed to think it would help. and because I don't read instructions the computer teaching was suggested. he said I would be sent a copy of the needs report and would be able to commenton it. so can't help you there. as for assessing tutoring needs he asked all kinds of questions. I have found that I cannot recall some of the maths that I have met before. I thought that in this course I was meeting new topics. but when I managed to get hold of my old course books I was very uposet to see that I had done it before but had no recollection of it. I also find it hard to get new stuff in my head. for this he thinks a maths tutor will be able help me to find ways to improve. I haver in the past had a motivation tutor. they used to ring me up and chat see how things were going. but i think the maths tutor will have to be face to face but can't really tell you anything else I found the time with the assessor much better than the treatment from the OU disability folk. Hope I don't live to eat my words. in case you hadn't noticed I'm trying to complete my maths degree so I can go on to do a masters. I have recently retired so find I have more time. I'll pm you if my connection will allow. I've been writing this since this morning
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Post by optomistic65 on May 23, 2011 14:35:13 GMT
Wow maths degree! Go you!
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