Question of support

Peter Lumsden's response to the requirement on universities to make reasonable adjustments under the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001 (Soapbox, THES , August 30) is disappointing.

The code of practice for post-16 education issued by the Disability Rights Commission gives examples of what might be reasonable. But it is the court's decision about what is reasonable that matters.

Lumsden's concern that reasonableness is to be looked at on a "case-by-case basis" is puzzling. Surely he is not suggesting that students with similar impairments taking the same university course need identical support?

It is also worrying to suggest that a large institution might have problems tracking a student through modules and providing information to prevent discrimination.

Barbara Waters
Chief executive
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities