[Blindmath] Questions about accommodations

[Bernard M Diaz]

Hi Corinne,

In the UK this is a vexed issue because of cost, and who
pays - compounded, if the student is not a national.

At my Higher Education institution (University), for my subject
(Computer Science), I've suggested that a "helper" (in UK parlance)
is vital, preferably with a science and also mathematics background.
This has been fully accepted in our two cases ...

Payment is hourly, and we've established that between 20-30 hours
a week during term is required - the rate is marginally above what
we pay module student demonstrators.  The duties include coming with
the student to lectures and some seminars and tutorials, taking
notes and providing transcriptions of these in digital form that
can be voiced easily (i.e. copes with symbols in mathematical
expressions, and generates tactile and/or verbal digital descriptions
of diagrams/figures).  Also this person helps with problems encountered
using library and other facilities. [This is in addition to the
facilities that the student is expected to have: recording devices
etc, full copy of lecture notes in a variety of digital formats,
voicing soft/hardware, page to digital/voice scanning, etc].

We've determined that a team doing this is just possible, but not
desirable, and for the students on the module - the time required
too onerous (however we encourage group and team working).  We also
have departmental back-up(2 hrs a week) available if necessary to
help with difficult areas (essential the diagrams associated with
"design", and with complex mathematical/logic areas).

Our modules (4 each semester) consist approximately 12 hours of
lecture contact time/week, approx. 4-8 contact tutorial and practical
time, and an assumption that the remaining time (up to a notional
40 hrs) a week, is for preparation and private extra study. Our
semesters are 12 weeks.

I'm working on the basis here of a completely blind student
that has excellent white cane/guide dog skills, who is completely
able independently, to look after themselves (e.g. cooking,
washing, etc). We have no remit to help there at all ...
(The white cane/guide dog skills arise because of a safety
requirement that a student is able to exit any building they
are in, in emergencies, unaided).

All this is in addition to all staff (we include 
clerical/management/technical and all academic staff) being alert
to the student's requirements and being aware of their, and the
Institutions legal obligations ...

I suspect this does not help, as it is subject specific, but it
may provide a discussion ballpark ...

Kind regards - Bernard Diaz.

Lankford, Corinne wrote:
> Hi everyone!
> 
> We currently have an incoming Graduate student for the fall semester 
> which he has requested a research assistant.  Is this a common 
> accommodation provided?  If so, how many hours and what is the usual 
> rate?  I plan to check with the library to see if they have someone 
> on staff that can provide this assistance.  Any opinions, advices, 
> tip, etc. is greatly appreciated!
> 
> Bests, Corinne
> 
> Corinne Lankford EAD Disability Services Specialist New office title 
> name:  "Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability 
> Services Department" Vanderbilt University
> 
> GPS Address:        110 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 Office 
> Location:   Baker Building, Ste. 108 Internal Mail:       PMB 401809
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> Website:       www.vanderbilt.edu/ead
> 
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