[access-uk] Re: The Open university course Materials in Alternative Format
- From: Patricia Fraser <pfraser@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:06:36 +0100
Hi Eleanor,
I think you have a very good case to drag the OU before the tribunal.
Their website is still waffling about "reasonable adjustment", but that
weasel word isn't available to them since the 2005 amendment to the act
- the requirements have been tightened considerably, and their duties
are far clearer as a provider of services.
You need in the first instance to contact the Disability and
Requirements person at your local OU office, and record the contact - do
it in writing, and give them a measurable amount of time to fix the
problem. Tell them what has happened and what you want to have happen
and let them know you're not happy and that you will be contacting the EHRC.
At the same time, contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/ - these folk replace the Disability
Rights Commission. Their helpline phone number is 0845 604 6610. They
will be able to tell you what steps to take, and will let you know what
they're able to do.
Good luck - as if you needed anything else, when you're doing Law!
All the best,
--
Patricia Fraser Tel: +44 (0)160 470 5680
International Sales Manager Fax: +44 (0)870 705 9646
Quantum Technology UK Web: www.quantech.com.au
47 Thomas Chapman Grove Company Reg. No. 6362217
Northampton NN4 8RQ VAT No. 907 3486 13
Company incorporated in England and Wales
ELEANOR BURKE wrote:
> I wrote to the list before about the Open University and how I felt
> that my needs were not being met as a blind student. My problems are
> on-going. I was informed by the Open University that the text book
> on my course could not be provided in alternative format as there
> were difficulties with the publishers and that was the situation and
> I would have to put up with it. I then decided that I needed to
> write to the publishers directly and received a response from them
> today. See below.
>
> Dear Eleanor & Guide Dog Neela,
>
> Thank you for your email.
>
> I have been in contact with the Publishing Department and they tell
> me that there is no problem with you having an electronic version of
> this book.
>
> We already supply electronic copies to the Open University for all
> student textbooks that they buy from us, so its unusual to hear that
> they cannot provide it to you.
>
> If the OU cannot give you access then please ask your Course Tutor or
> Librarian to email or write to us requesting this on your behalf.
> This is the usual process with all electronic versions of text books.
> If you choose this option then we will charge you the cover price of
> the book.
>
> Kind regards Margaret Customer Services Sweet & Maxwell
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