New Toy!!

rugbygirl
rugbygirl Member Posts: 691
edited 13. Jan 2012, 12:06 in Community Chit-chat archive
Hi all

I just thought I would let you all know that I have finally received DSA equipment for my OU course. It is amazing the things that I have.

I have my new computer equipment including software, and lots of ergonomic equipment.

I had my first lot of training on it all today and I am really chuffed with it. I can now talk to the computer instead of typing which means that anything I want to put in writing is now spoken. If my arms are hurting or I am not feeling great I can get my computer to read my emails and lecture notes to me as well.

All my books will be scanned in or provided in PDF format so that I dont have to hold books anymore.

I have also got a digital recorder which I can use for lectures to save me writing everything down and my hands hurting more than normal.

Considering I am studying a course for at least 6 years I dont think i have done too bad. I would certainly recommend anyone who is studying further education and has a disability to look into this. It is called Disabled Students Allowance and it is a government run scheme. They tailor everything to your needs and provide you with all the equipment free of charge. All you have to do is continue the studying.
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Comments

  • NinaKKang
    NinaKKang Member Posts: 663
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Jaki

    I didn't know you were studying with the OU, otherwise I would have recommended this too. I did the same last year and got the Dragon software, dictaphone, vertical mouse and book chair (looks a bit like a deck chair). I asked for my books to be sent to me bound so they lay flat on a table, and they have split the books into two parts so they aren't too heavy.

    For saying you get to keep all the equipment and don't pay anything, it's brilliant, isn't it??

    Nxx
  • rugbygirl
    rugbygirl Member Posts: 691
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It certainly is a godsend. I have got Dragon in German and English. Claroread, Microsoft Office Professional, an entire computer because I only had a laptop, I have got a proper office chair with all the right support. a foot rest, book rest which goes over my keyboard, a split keyboard which is correct for me and I have a mouse which fits in between the splits so I only have to use my thumbs if I use the mouse.

    I dont know where I would be without it.
    Jakib0644.gif
  • Ankyspond
    Ankyspond Member Posts: 626
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's fantastic, good luck with your studies. X
    AS Sufferer
    Live, love and enjoy life, live each day as though it's your last!
  • weejean
    weejean Member Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow this all sounds wonderful. Good luck with your studying xx
    Big Hugs
    Jean xx
  • PamieAFC1903
    PamieAFC1903 Member Posts: 899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Nice one hun.

    Just hope I get as much luck as that with college :)

    What are you studying?
    I ♥ Runrig.

    I live, sleep, eat and breathe Runrig!!!!!.
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jaki

    Thats great isnt it?

    All that equipment sounds fab, good luck with your studies

    Janie
  • rugbygirl
    rugbygirl Member Posts: 691
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Everyone. I will let you know how things go.

    Pamie: I am studying German, English and Maths, then I will probably do something like Psychology. Not sure where I am going with this but just doing something that interests me. With the OU I can do an Open degree which covers things I am interested in, which at the moment is the best option for me.
    Jakib0644.gif
  • PamieAFC1903
    PamieAFC1903 Member Posts: 899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Niiice, I'll be doing alot of English/Communication stuff in my course, looking to buy a book on how to write brilliant essays (even though I can talk for Scotland)
    I ♥ Runrig.

    I live, sleep, eat and breathe Runrig!!!!!.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Bumped up for a newbie. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • NewToThis
    NewToThis Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for posting - I just asked about this in in the young people bit & they kindly referred me to your post.

    I withdrew from my f/t course as it would have been to intense for me at the mo due to young family etc but am waiting to see if I get on the pt course.

    Somebody told me I should apply for the dsa if I get a place. Just wondered what sort of note you need from the dr/specialist? & what happens when you have your assessment. Sounds like it would be such a help as I only have to do a bit of writing & I ache!!

    Also, how does the bound book thing work? Where do you get them from and are they for set texts only?

    Any advice appreciated & good luck with your course!
  • stephibabe2
    stephibabe2 Member Posts: 60
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone,

    Just wanted to give my experience on applying for DSA. I am starting early childhood studies in septmeber and had JIA since I was 5. All I can say is I am so grateful the DSA is available. The equipment I have been given is amazing and I know when I start in september its all going to help so much.
    In regards to providing eviedence you have to send a letter from your gp or rheumy just to confirm your arthritis. The person I had my assesment with was really nice and she suggested things I wouldn't even been able to think of. But all the assessment involves is talking through with the accessor about how your arthritis effects you and equipment that has helped you in the past. Nothing to worry about though :)
    Sorry I have never heard of the book bound thing but hopefully someone else can help you with that.

    Best wishes :)
  • roses1
    roses1 Member Posts: 1,850
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jaki,

    Good luck with the course!

    I was thinking of doing some studying of some sort to take my mind off the living hell :roll: That equipment sounds brilliant! I could do with that programme that types everything for you as i suffer terribly with my hands (and everywhere else :roll: ) 1 of the reasons i dont always post :sad:

    You get to keep all the equipment after study? Brilliant!
  • rugbygirl
    rugbygirl Member Posts: 691
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry I have been offline for a while. I have just read the responses and I am sorry that I havent got back to you sooner.

    I get all my course books from the open university and they provide everything I need in the right format. I hope that you have managed to get yourself sorted.

    To any one who is studying - good luck to you all
    Jakib0644.gif
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Jaki!

    was only thinking about you the other day....l hope you are doing ok.

    Love and Happy New Year

    Toni xx