The Snowdon Survey 2006
Too many disabled students are still being failed by the support system
With 2006 marking the 25th anniversary of the Snowdon Award Scheme, we felt it appropriate to conduct a survey into the fundamentals of the Disabled Students Allowance and the fundamental issues still facing disabled students in further and higher education. Whilst the majority of students with disabilities do now receive the additional funding and support that they need, we continue to receive far more applications for support each year than we can satisfy. Clearly there are still problems.
The survey results are drawn from a review of the available statistics, an analysis of our Snowdon Award applications, questionnaires completed by University Disability Officers and recent Snowdon Awardees, and anecdotal feedback.
The key findings were as follows:
- There are substantial shortfalls in funding provision for disabled students in higher education - with deaf, mobility impaired and visually impaired students facing the biggest deficits.
- Part-time students and those undertaking postgraduate studies are also frequently under-funded.
- Students in further education fare better, but still often face shortfalls in provision of vital equipment.
- There is huge variation in the quality of support services, information and funding provided to disabled students depending on where they live, where they are studying and the people with whom they are dealing.
The report makes a number of recommendations; including the removal of the present upper limits on Disabled Students' Allowances and putting in place processes and support to ensure greater consistency of service provision and funding.
You can download a summary of the report or the report itself in full, both available in PDF format.