The Disabled Students Allowance
What is the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?
It is a grant which any disabled student in higher education can apply for
and is intended to fund items and support for individuals who need
assistance to complete their course.
What does it cover?
It can cover learning support (additional teaching), extra time in exams,
equipment to assist with learning and course work etc. You cannot get all
of these by default just because you are a disabled student; you will be
assessed and awarded items/ assistance based on that ‘assessment of needs’.
It is intended to ‘level the playing field’ between disabled and non-disabled
students.
How do I apply?
When you applied for your course you should have ticked the box saying you had
a disability. If you did your funding body will have automatically sent the
relevant paperwork to you. If not you can call them and ask for the forms to
be sent to you. You can also contact your university / college’s Disability
Officer or Student Support Team who will explain the process and help you with
any queries.
I have been granted the DSA, what do I do now?
You should receive a letter telling you what to do next i.e. contact your chosen
supplier / meet with Learning Support Tutors etc. if you haven’t received this
letter or it does not make sense you need to either call the funding body for
clarification or go to your Disabilities Officer who will assist you. Do ask for
help, it’s there for you to access!
I don't qualify, what can I do?
If you are a student who has been denied support there is an appeals process which
your funding body can advise you about. If you disagree with your assessment of
need you should contact your assessor. If you are not a student but want information
about other forms of support for the disabled / information about how we can help
please do contact us for free advice and support.