Further frustration for disabled learners Friday, February 5, 2010 - 10:56

Figures show that almost 12,500 disabled students in England are still waiting for grants from the Student Loans Company to help them pay for specialist equipment. This comes on top of a recently published report, which details how one in five colleges have cut courses for people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Peter Lavender, NIACE Deputy Chief Executive, said:

"NIACE was shocked by the report from the LSC which showed that 19 per cent of colleges have cut their provision for students with disabilities. Taken with yesterday's news about how long it is taking to provide equipment for higher education students with disabilities does seem to indicate that learners with disabilities are no longer regarded as the priority they once were when the Government took office."

"These findings are devastating when so much hard work has been done to encourage disabled people in general, to have the resources they need in order to manage their own support. It seems as though bureaucracy is getting in the way of the Government's strategy to help disabled people progress through education and to make a contribution. The FE and HE system is vital for people with disabilities who are already disproportionately represented in the 'NEET' and 'not employed' groups. Post-compulsory education is also a critical means of raising aspirations and ensuring that students of all ages with disabilities are not prevented from maximising their potential. It would be good if the Government were to reassure us that these learners were a continuing priority."