Transcript Applying for the DSA

March 2013
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University is different to college – it’s up to you to sort these
things out
There is a lot of support available
Get in touch with Disability Services – they are there to help
Don’t underestimate how long this process will take
Even if you think you’ll be able to manage without support,
apply for it now – you don’t have to use it
This is a great opportunity to start developing learning
strategies that work best for you
Remember – you are preparing for future employment
Make the most of what’s available for you now!
As a higher education student living in England, you can apply
for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a:
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disability
long-term health condition
mental health condition
specific learning difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD or
dyscalculia
The earlier you disclose that you are a disabled student the
quicker your support can be put in place.
It is useful to contact the Disability Advisor or Dyslexia Coordinator at your
University or College, they may be able to tell you if you qualify for DSA.
Condition / Diagnosis
Proof
Disabilities or long-term health
condition
Report or letter from your doctor or
consultant.
Mental-health condition
Report or letter from your doctor or
consultant.
Specific learning difficulty such as
A ‘diagnostic assessment’ from a
psychologist or suitably qualified specialist
teacher.
dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD
If you had this done when you were under
16, you may need to get reassessed.
Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties are diagnosed by either:
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A Chartered Psychologist specialising in adult dyslexia; or
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An appropriately qualified specialist assessor with post graduate training in
dyslexia and a Practising Certificate.
The assessment must be carried out after your 16 th birthday
Full assessments for adults take up to 3 hours to complete and test a range of
skills including reading, writing, memory, phonological processing and underlying
ability
You will receive a detailed written report which should include recommendations for
special arrangements in tests and exams
Note: the JCQ exams form used in FE does not count as a suitable assessment
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If you are in Further Education, it may be possible to get an
assessment via the Learning Support Department of your
College.
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For Higher Education, some universities may fund or part-fund
assessments once you have started your course
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If you can, get an up to date assessment now, before you start
your course. it will mean that you will be able to access support
on your course much sooner.
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Don’t underestimate how long this will take!
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The British Dyslexia Association website has information on
getting an assessment for dyslexia
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The British Psychological Society website has a ‘Find a
Psychologist’ facility.
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For information on specialist assessors with a Practising
Certificate awarded by PATOSS or Dyslexia Action:
• PATOSS:
Tel. 01386 712 650
Web: http://www.patoss-dyslexia.org
• Dyslexia Action:
Tel. 01784 222 300
Web: http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Once you have an up to date diagnostic report….
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Apply for the DSA as soon as you have a provisional offer for your
course
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Fill in a DSA1 form
o Use the short form if you’ve applied for a loan
o Use the long form if you are part-time, postgraduate or you don’t have a
loan – this will need to be signed by your university
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DSA1 guidance notes can be found here
Bridging the Gap - A guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowances
(DSAs) in higher education
Send a copy of your diagnostic report in with your form – don’t
send originals!!
For Student Finance England:
Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ
For other Funding Bodies:
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Student Finance Wales
Student Finance Northern Ireland
NHS Student Bursaries
Student Awards Agency Scotland
The Open University
Research Councils UK
Once you get a letter from Student Finance England (SFE)
confirming that you are eligible for a DSA…
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Contact an assessment centre to book an appointment for
a needs assessment
The needs assessment is different to the diagnostic
assessment.
It is an informal meeting with an experienced DSA Needs
Assessor – you won’t have to take any tests this time.
You do not have to pay for the DSA Needs Assessment.
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Your DSA Needs Assessment will take up to 2 hours
The Needs Assessor will discuss the Specialist Support and
Assistive Technology that may be useful for you on your
course.
Before your assessment, it is a good idea to look at some of
the software the needs assessor might show you
• Assistive Technology – free trials
• Opensource software
• Useful apps for your phone or ipad
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Talk to the Needs Assessor about any learning strategies
that work for you and any difficulties you have
After the assessment, you’ll get a report listing equipment and
support recommended for you – this will also be sent to SFE
Your recommendations may include:
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Specialist equipment and assistive software
Non-medical helpers, like a specialist Study Skills Tutor, a mentor,
note-taker or reader
Extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability
A General Allowance for photocopying and printing costs, and for
non-core text books
DSAs don’t cover disability-related costs you’d have if you weren’t
attending a course, or costs that any other student might have.
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You need to wait for SFE to agree the recommendations in
your report
When they do, you will receive an entitlement letter
The letter will state the funding that has been approved and
the different suppliers to contact for your equipment,
assistive technology training and any non-medical help you
may need.
Please read the letter!!
You are responsible for arranging delivery of your
equipment and setting up your support – this won’t happen
automatically.
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Service providers and equipment suppliers will invoice SFE
directly and they will be paid from your DSA
The DSA is different to your student loan / finance – you
don’t need to pay it back
How much you get depends on your individual needs - not
your household income. If you’re a part-time student your
‘course intensity’ can affect how much you get.
For your General Allowance, keep your receipts and send
them in to SFE with a claim form. They will pay this into
your bank account
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Your DSA – Assistance and support
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Diversity and Ability – DSA Find your way guide
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Discover DSA – support and advice, including videos
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DSA information - NASMA
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Get a diagnostic assessment done now! – either through
your college or privately
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Start looking at some Assistive Technology - think about
what might work for you:
• Opensource software
• Assistive Technology – free trials
• Useful apps for your phone or ipad
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Get in touch with Disability Services at the university