FAQs - DSA Students

A confidential interview with an assessor. It's an opportunity for you to discuss your needs with an experienced advisor. Relax and enjoy it! Remember, the assessment is for you and the assessor is on your side!

Examples of your work may be helpful.

Click on "Advice" in the Menu on the left of your screen. A sub-menu will appear. Then click on "Useful Links Summary" for a list of external sources of help and advice. For the DSA website, use the link below:

Disabled Students Allowance

- Approach your nearest assessment centre. Your university or college will help.

- Check with your LEA or funding body that you are entitled to an assessment.

- The cost will be covered by the DSA (Disabled Students Allowance).

Good Question! Usually, you will receive your equipment within 4 to 6 weeks. Other services may start earlier if you so wish.

Before any funds are disbursed, however, you may have to confirm that you have been formally accepted on your course.

Disability comes in many forms. Students with the following kinds of disability are in principle eligible for support through the DSA.

-Dyslexia
-Dyspraxia
-Visual impairment
-Hearing impairment
-Mobility impairment
-Mental Health
-Chronic health difficulties.

NB This list is not exhaustive. If you consider that you have a form of disablement, do inform your college or university.

Depending on your assessor's recommendations, you may be eligible for:

- Equipment such as a computer, special input and scanning devices, printers etc.
- Appropriate software
- Training in the use of the technology.
- Study skills support
- Other kinds of support geared to your disability.

Your funding body will tell you the amount of help you can have from the DSA. The Student Loan Company (http://www.slc.co.uk/) or the Students Award Agency for Scotland (http://www.saas.gov.uk/) , Northern Ireland (http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/) or Wales (http://www.cyllidmyfyrwyrcymru.co.uk/) will make payments either directly to you or to the suppliers of equipment or services.

Your assessor will prepare a report with recommendations. You will receive this usually within a month. If you accept the recommendations, a copy will go to your funding body for authorization. With your permission, a copy will also go to the organization providing your support.

NOTE: if the recommendation includes training or any other kind of support, you have the right to choose your supplier.

Your first port of call for help should be the Disability Support Office at your college or university. All educational institutions are obliged by law to attend to students with disabilities and to offer them appropriate support and advice.

So that your assessor can match your needs to your course. With your help and input, he or she will identify the best combination of equipment, training and support for you.