Reasonable adjustments - charging for them and refusing them

Dales
Dales Community Member Posts: 6 Connected
in Education and skills

Hi,

I’m currently in dispute with a training college over agreed reasonable adjustments that were put in place for me, due to my disability. These were centred around my attendance (I had missed several classes). One of the adjustments was the provision to offer me catch up sessions, on occasions I was ill, and there were charges to me at £30 per session. However, despite me asking for these sessions on numerous occasions, I was either ignored or told the tutor was too busy.

Things came to a head recently when I was told that my attendance had reached a point whereby I was no longer able to graduate. I complained, stated my reasons (as above), and was then told “ok, we will let you continue to graduate, but you will not be allowed to rejoin your old class, as the tutor is claiming a breakdown in the relationship”. I’m being offered 1-2-1 sessions, away from my fellow students - which I’ve declined.

I have evidence of repeatedly requesting catch up sessions, and evidence that these were to charged to me at £30 each (which I think is illegal?).

Any legal eagles on here, who are able to advise if I have a case for disability discrimination?

Comments

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community Member Posts: 3,775 Championing

    Who paid for the adjustments ?

    DWP or the college ?

    Did you get DWP involved at any stage ?

    What, exactly were the adjustments - were they 1 to 1 sessions ?

    I don't believe that the college can charge a disabled student for missing sessions because of illness

  • Dales
    Dales Community Member Posts: 6 Connected

    The course was funded by myself, and so I was expected to pay for the catch up sessions. However, as it turns out - I wasn’t actually able to have any, as the tutor was either too busy, or ignored my requests.

    So, I feel as though I’ve been set up to fail.

  • Dales
    Dales Community Member Posts: 6 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1033567#Comment_1033567

    Thank you for the welcome, and the response!

    This is how I see the situation too (clear breach of legislation) however, I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything as their solicitor is advising them to defend the case. I find this odd, given everything is evidenced, and easily provable. I have tried the complaint / mediation route but was told the only other option open to me was to leave the course. So, I’m now taking them to court for direct discrimination.

    Thanks again for the input!

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