Latest news with #IDSN
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Loss of support' for disabled university students
Disabled students at the University of Derby are calling for more specialist support to be available during their studies, after the university made changes to its disability support. A group called the Independent Disabled Students Network (IDSN), which was formed to challenge decisions made by the university, said there had been a "significant reduction in disability support across the university". Sonja Brown, 58, a disabled student, told the BBC: "It's stressful and frustrating that we weren't considered. I feel like I'm a second class citizen and that they couldn't speak to me and get my point of view." The university denied removing any support for students with disabilities. The IDSN group claim the university has scrapped deadline extensions, extra time in examinations and single-diagnosis support plans for students. James Earnes, 28, a student and founder of the group said: "To date, the university has not issued a formal policy or public statement clarifying the current position on support entitlements. "Multiple students have raised complaints, and we have started to rely on Freedom of Information requests to access basic information about policies that directly affect our ability to study." Sonja, who is studying a masters degree in international tourism and hospitality, says she lost support that was previously available to her during her undergraduate studies. "I was here from 2020 to 2023. I had a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in place and got support and extensions. "I came back in September 2024 to find I still have my support plan but not my extensions, because they want to make it a level playing field. "Not only do I have a hidden disability, I've got a physical disability. "It just means more stress for us. If I had known about the changes at the open day, I would have considered going to another university." Rosie Henrick, 25, a disabled psychology student who is autistic, has ADHD and general anxiety disorder, says the changes are taking a toll on their health. They said: "It has a psychical and mental negative impact. I've been getting a lot more high heart rate notifications. I'm very stressed out. "I don't think I can be there next year if they don't change stuff. "I get good grades but I also don't want my health to decline. It definitely is, and I've been noticing it." George Butler, 19, a disabled civil engineering student who also acts as a student representative said: "It's a lot more mental stress for disabled students. "To expect more and more of a person that you're taking more and more away from, means they'll be able to work less." The group is also challenging the university over its decision to introduce fares to the Unibus, a bus service that is free for students and staff until 31 July 2025. Darren Cassidy, 32, a disabled health and social care student, said: "We've had some reviews with the walking routes that they've suggested for people. "It's not appealing to a disabled student because there's not very good walkways, hardly any lighting and no dropped kerbs. "It's really damaging for a disabled student. Not only do they see physical support being removed from their educational system, but they're also seeing actual barriers to getting to the university as well. "A lot of disabled students have extra things they have to pay for such as care, extra food, medications or whatever else may be affecting them personally. "To have an extra charge on top, I find it really difficult for them. I've heard people say they wouldn't come in as much, and that to me doesn't seem very welcoming to disabled students." A spokesperson for the university said: "The university has not removed any support for its students with disabilities. "Historically we applied a blanket approach whereas now we are improving our support and providing a bespoke service which aims to ensure each student has what they need to thrive. "The option of providing extensions to deadlines or extra time in exams, remains for those students with a disability for whom this is an appropriate support mechanism." The university also confirmed the Unibus charges were implemented following "consultation with students and will help towards environmental sustainability goals". It added: "Disabled students may be entitled to support with travel via certain government benefits and can contact our Disability Advisers who can provide advice and guidance on how to access this." Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Job cuts fears as university plans college mergers University of Nottingham plans to cut 250 jobs 'Healthy living too expensive for teens' - study University of Derby
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
University of Derby students 'losing' disability support
Disabled students at the University of Derby are calling for more specialist support to be available during their studies, after the university made changes to its disability support.A group called the Independent Disabled Students Network (IDSN), which was formed to challenge decisions made by the university, said there had been a "significant reduction in disability support across the university".Sonja Brown, 58, a disabled student, told the BBC: "It's stressful and frustrating that we weren't considered. I feel like I'm a second class citizen and that they couldn't speak to me and get my point of view."The university denied removing any support for students with disabilities. The IDSN group claim the university has scrapped deadline extensions, extra time in examinations and single-diagnosis support plans for Earnes, 28, a student and founder of the group said: "To date, the university has not issued a formal policy or public statement clarifying the current position on support entitlements. "Multiple students have raised complaints, and we have started to rely on Freedom of Information requests to access basic information about policies that directly affect our ability to study."Sonja, who is studying a masters degree in international tourism and hospitality, says she lost support that was previously available to her during her undergraduate studies."I was here from 2020 to 2023. I had a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in place and got support and extensions. "I came back in September 2024 to find I still have my support plan but not my extensions, because they want to make it a level playing field. "Not only do I have a hidden disability, I've got a physical disability. "It just means more stress for us. If I had known about the changes at the open day, I would have considered going to another university." Rosie Henrick, 25, a disabled psychology student who is autistic, has ADHD and general anxiety disorder, says the changes are taking a toll on their said: "It has a psychical and mental negative impact. I've been getting a lot more high heart rate notifications. I'm very stressed out."I don't think I can be there next year if they don't change stuff."I get good grades but I also don't want my health to decline. It definitely is, and I've been noticing it."George Butler, 19, a disabled civil engineering student who also acts as a student representative said: "It's a lot more mental stress for disabled students. "To expect more and more of a person that you're taking more and more away from, means they'll be able to work less." The group is also challenging the university over its decision to introduce fares to the Unibus, a bus service that is free for students and staff until 31 July Cassidy, 32, a disabled health and social care student, said: "We've had some reviews with the walking routes that they've suggested for people. "It's not appealing to a disabled student because there's not very good walkways, hardly any lighting and no dropped kerbs. "It's really damaging for a disabled student. Not only do they see physical support being removed from their educational system, but they're also seeing actual barriers to getting to the university as well."A lot of disabled students have extra things they have to pay for such as care, extra food, medications or whatever else may be affecting them personally. "To have an extra charge on top, I find it really difficult for them. I've heard people say they wouldn't come in as much, and that to me doesn't seem very welcoming to disabled students."A spokesperson for the university said: "The university has not removed any support for its students with disabilities. "Historically we applied a blanket approach whereas now we are improving our support and providing a bespoke service which aims to ensure each student has what they need to thrive."The option of providing extensions to deadlines or extra time in exams, remains for those students with a disability for whom this is an appropriate support mechanism."The university also confirmed the Unibus charges were implemented following "consultation with students and will help towards environmental sustainability goals".It added: "Disabled students may be entitled to support with travel via certain government benefits and can contact our Disability Advisers who can provide advice and guidance on how to access this."
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Security tightened around ISRO's deep space network station
Ramanagara: Security has been significantly intensified around the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) facility located near Byalalu, close to Tavarekere in Ramanagara district, amid ongoing regional tensions and heightened national security concerns. This strategic move comes as a precaution, following reports that Indian intelligence, with support from ISRO's satellite surveillance, provided critical information on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. To protect ISRO's vital installations—particularly the IDSN hub in Byalalu—the state police have increased patrols in surrounding villages. Under directives from the Chief Minister, police teams have begun conducting door-to-door inspections in the villages surrounding the 120-acre IDSN facility. Local residents are being sensitized about the importance of the center and are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activity to either the police or Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Commissioned in 2008, the Byalalu Deep Space Network serves as a critical communications link between ISRO and its deep space missions. Equipped with two large antennas—measuring 18 and 32 meters—the facility is capable of receiving and transmitting radio signals to and from spacecraft across the solar system. These antennas are used to gather invaluable scientific data from space exploration missions. The facility also hosts the Indian Space Science Data Center (ISSDC), which collects and manages data from various missions. Through advanced technology systems, the center can interface with ISRO's 21 ground stations across the country. In addition, ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), based in Peenya Industrial Area, coordinates with the Byalalu site to operate and monitor spacecraft. This makes the Byalalu antennas an essential hub for space communication and telemetry. Outside of the United States, Australia, Spain, and China, India is one of the few countries to possess such a sophisticated deep space communication facility. The 350-ton antennas at Byalalu not only allow for simultaneous communication with multiple satellites but also hold a special place in global space infrastructure for their scale and capabilities. In 2010, the security of the Byalalu facility was tested when a shootout occurred around 3:20 am involving unidentified individuals who were spotted moving suspiciously near the premises. Security personnel opened fire, preventing a potential breach. In the wake of renewed military tensions between India and Pakistan, the facility's security has been further fortified. Authorities have declared that any suspicious movement in the vicinity will be treated as a serious offense. Ramanagara Superintendent of Police Srinivas Gowda confirmed that intensified inspections are ongoing. 'Our officers are visiting homes in nearby villages to raise awareness. Residents have been urged to report any unusual activities immediately. Ensuring the security of this critical infrastructure is of utmost importance,' he stated.
