News
BPP gives support to partially sighted student
1st October 2007
BPP is dedicated to equal opportunities for all students. We help them achieve their potential regardless of any difficulty or disability, through offering additional support throughout the course and during exams.
Student Jitendra Malde works in the purchase and finance department of a government division. Despite being partially sighted and registered blind, he is determined to achieve his AAT qualification to further his career, with the help of BPP.
With a 30 year gap since he last studied, Jitendra was concerned whether he would be able to get back into studying and also how he would cope with the course and his disability. Initially Jitendra approached a competitor training provider for his studies who said they would accept him, but he would have to pay for any additional equipment needed. Unhappy with this response Jitendra contacted BPP. Following an in-depth interview to assess his requirements he was accepted onto the Certificate level of the Diploma route in March 2007, with the sponsorship of his employer.
Unlike other students, Jitendra cannot read the study material, therefore BPP have provided classroom notes and Course Companions in large text format. Even with these and his handheld magnifier, his eyesight is so poor, he struggles to read the text and suffers with eye strain, which means he cannot study for long periods.
BPP have also bought a large monitor for Jitendra’s use and installed Zoom Text software onto the computer which enlarges the text on the screen and a synthesizer to read out the text. This allows him to use accounting software e.g. Simply Books, which is used as part of the course to test students’ knowledge of the syllabus.
When it comes to the exams BPP liaise with the AAT for all Jitendra’s special requirements and organise for a reader and scriber to assist him.
Jitendra says: "I'm impressed with BPP for taking a positive approach to my needs and achieving such a lot in a short space of time. They’ve never had a partially sighted student before. Despite this they reassured me that I’d have the right support and put my mind at ease that achieving the qualification was within my reach."
Clare Buck, AAT Quality Assurance Director, comments: "The AAT have a specific policy on making special considerations and reasonable adjustments for any student who has a difficulty or disability that may put them at a disadvantage in their studies – whether this be in skills tests or exams. BPP are happy not only to follow this policy but also to ensure that we provide such students with additional assistance such as the large screen monitor if required. Jitendra has also been helpful, advising us on where we can improve our resources further and we are 100% committed to ensuring equal access to the AAT qualification to all."
