O U S A
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URGENT — Disabled Students
Dragon Update
The University have now issued a statement about this issue. Go to Statement for more information.
Ban on voice recognition software in exams
Some disabled students use special software which enables them to dictate text onto their computer. The package normally provided through the Disabled Students Office is called Dragon Naturally Speaking, Preferred.
The OU have decided that students who use this software will not be able to use any version from v7 upwards for exams, even where there is an assessed need.
What should you do?
If you have already taken your exam, and not been able to use Dragon, you need to submit an E39 Special Circumstances form. Submit it now, even if the deadline is over. You can download the form here: E39 Special Circumstances Form
Whether you have taken your exam, or will be taking it within the next 3 months, complain to the Open University, through the Complaints and Appeals procedure. The O U are collating complaints and keeping records of the numbers involved. You can log your appeal/complaint by phone 01908 659535, by fax 01908 659536 email complaints-appeals@open.ac.uk or in writing to:
The Complaints & Appeals Office
The Open University
PO BOX 5155
Milton Keynes
MK7 6YJ
Contact your Disabled Student Link — in the East of England, this is Caroline Hands — email: DSL
Please consider writing to the following people:
Equality and Diversity:
- Will Swann, Director Students
- Derek Childs, Head of Equality and Diversity
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Vice-Chancellor:
The Vice-Chancellor's Office
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Email: Vice-Chancellor
We hope that this site will welcome you to the branch, answer any questions you might have, and help you find information that is available on other sites.
Check the “Events” section for information about meetings, social events and outings.
The next coffee morning will be held on Friday 4th July at 10.30 am — Costa Coffee, Queen Street. Hope to see you there!
Branch Newsletters
The branch issues a newsletter 3 times a year. To read the latest issue, and previous issues, go to Newsletters, where you can also find the regional newsletters
Branch Committee
The Committee Members were elected at the A G M held in December 2007
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Frank Carver | Chair |
| Vacant | Secretary |
| Julie Fayers | Treasurer |
| Vacant | Events |
| Tricia Higgins | Webmaster |
If you have any suggestions for future events, please let Julie Fayers know.
The “Documents” section holds material relating to O U S A, the Regional Forum, and the Branch.
Student support is a very important part of O U S A, and the “Student Support” link will take you to information about the kinds of support available, and how to access it.
Follow the link to “Extras” to find out more about the benefits of belonging to O U S A in the wider world — discounts, access to other University sites, using the facilities at local Colleges, and more.
Last but not least, if you have a disability, or if you know a student who has, please contact the Disabled Students Group, which has been set up to assist O U S A to provide equal access to O U S A activities, as well as lobby the O U to improve access to study materials and facilities for students with disabilities. More information can be found on the Disabled Students Group website:
Disabled Students GroupIf you have any comments or suggestions about Branch organisation or business, please email Frank Carver (Branch Chair)
