Disabilty Discrimination Act: Implications for Practice Placements

Group Discussion

Group 3

Setting up Working Relationships on Placement

• placement request forms should be available in several formats
  

• there should be a re-think about the space, size and positioning of the section which a student completes on the request form (currently at the end of the form and small) although students may still be learning about their particular needs.
  

• different agencies use different systems and personnel at point of request with different remits, responsibilities and understanding of the process.
  

• need to ensure the appropriate people get the relevant information contained in the student's request.
  

• issues about the amount of information a student supplies but there are concerns about disclosure and to whom and confidentiality.
  

• all placement agencies and universities have physical access issues and learning and teaching formats to address.
  

• part-time and extended placements should possibly be considered - how will these impact on working relationships?
  

• currently we operate in a reactive way and often on a one-off basis.
  

• need to think ahead, think impairment.
  

• need to address attitudes - not necessarily acting within the 'spirit' of the law.
  

• disability awareness training is required in agencies and universities.
  

• concern about the follow through from student status to employee status - resources for employees
  

• developing codes of practice - clarify responsibilities of agencies and universities and the status of the Consortium in this.
  

Setting up and maintaining support structures

• support structures from which to access specialist knowledge need to be available - can we use specialist knowledge from Disability Resource Centres and Disabled Persons' Employment Forums for example?
  

• mentoring for disabled students should be considered.
  

  ...Group 4