How to Get Help as a Disabled Student – DSA

My name is Sam and I live with chronic illness and chronic pain, I work for Purpl creating stories from our disabled community and sharing information that is helpful, interesting or just a great read! As a disabled woman, I understand the extra costs of living with a disability and I love getting to share the incredible discounts and deals we source for you. I am also in the middle of studying for my Masters Degree in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion and finished my degree in Fine Art in 2023 and so today I wanted to share important information for disabled students, Disabled Student Allowance.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) provides financial support to disabled students in the UK to help them overcome the unique challenges they may face in higher education. If you have a disability, mental health condition, specific learning difficulty, or other long-term health issue, DSA can help cover additional study-related costs, enabling you to thrive academically. DSA do not fund items or costs related to your disability that you would have regardless of whether or not you were studying. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to claim DSA.

Sam Cleasby is a brown woman in her early 40s, she is in a graduation gown and cap and stands in front of a university building with text saying Graduation 2023 and We are the class of tomorrow she is wearing a green and pink dress and glasses and she uses a mobility cane

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance?
Who is Eligible for DSA?
What Can You Use DSA for?
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming DSA
What to Expect During Your DSA Needs Assessment
Key Tips for a Successful DSA Application
Other Support Through Disabled Support Services in University
What Does an Individual Learning Plan Look Like?
Final Thoughts on Claiming DSA

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a financial aid provided by the UK government to support disabled students in higher education. DSA can help with costs associated with extra learning aids, specialist equipment, personal support, and travel expenses. It is a grant rather than a loan, meaning you don’t have to repay it. Importantly, DSA does not depend on your household income, making it accessible for eligible students who qualify based on need.

Who is Eligible for DSA?

To qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance, you must:

Be a current or prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student enrolled in a course that lasts at least one year.
Be a UK resident
Have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or ADHD

What Can You Use DSA for?

Students use Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) to access vital support that enables them to succeed in higher education and reduce the barriers of impairments, illness or learning disabilities. By addressing the unique barriers students face, DSA ensures they can engage fully with their academic responsibilities and participate in university life on a more equal footing with their peers.

Here’s a list of things a student can use Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) for in the UK:

Specialist Equipment

Laptops or desktop computers with assistive software
Screen readers or text-to-speech software
Speech recognition software
Mind-mapping software for planning and organization
Ergonomic furniture (e.g., adjustable desks, chairs)
Assistive items that may allow you to use a laptop from bed or a sofa
Special keyboards or mice
Recording devices for lectures

Personal Support Services

Specialist tutors for specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia)
Mental health mentors for emotional and psychological support
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
Note-takers for students with physical or sensory impairments
Study skills mentors to develop organizational and learning strategies
Proofreaders (within certain guidelines)

Assistive Technology Training

Training to help students use specialized software and equipment effectively

Travel Expenses

Additional travel costs incurred due to a disability (e.g., taxis if public transport is inaccessible)

General Academic Support

Printing and photocopying costs directly related to the disability
Consumables like paper and ink (if necessary due to the disability)

Other Costs

Specific items related to the student’s disability, as assessed by the needs assessment report.

DSA is tailored to meet individual needs, so the exact support depends on the student’s circumstances and assessment.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming DSA

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

You’ll need proof of your condition to apply for DSA. This may include:

A formal diagnosis or report from a medical professional for physical or mental health conditions
An educational psychologist’s report or specialist’s assessment if you have a learning difficulty

Make sure these documents are up to date and clearly describe your condition and its impact on your ability to study.

Step 2: Apply for Student Finance

To apply for DSA, you generally need to be eligible for other types of student finance, although you can apply for DSA separately. Applications are processed through Student Finance England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, depending on where you live.

If applying for other student finance, you can apply for DSA at the same time by completing the DSA section.
If you’re only applying for DSA, you can download and submit the DSA application form from your relevant student finance website.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve filled in the application form and gathered the necessary documentation, submit them to the relevant student finance body. Allow at least six weeks for processing, as applications are reviewed individually.

Step 4: Attend a Needs Assessment

If your application is accepted, you’ll be asked to attend a needs assessment at an approved assessment centre. This could be in person, online or over the phone. During the assessment, a professional will review your requirements and suggest necessary support measures, including any assistive technology, mentoring, or study skills support you may need. This step is crucial, as it helps determine the specific allowances you’ll receive.

Step 5: Receive Your DSA Report

Following the assessment, you’ll receive a DSA report detailing the support and funding you’re eligible for. This report will outline the recommendations for equipment and support tailored to your needs.

Step 6: Access Your DSA Support

Once approved, you can start accessing your DSA support. Payments are usually made directly to suppliers or service providers, and you may be reimbursed for certain approved expenses. Check the terms carefully to ensure you comply with usage guidelines.

A visually impaired man is wearing dark glasses and headphones and is sat studying at a desk and computer in a uni library wearing a grey turtleneck jumper

What to Expect During Your DSA Needs Assessment

A Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) needs assessment is a personalized process to identify the specific support and resources you need to succeed in higher education. Here’s what you can expect:

Pre-Assessment Preparation

Appointment Confirmation: You will receive confirmation of your appointment, typically with details about what to bring (e.g., medical evidence, course details).
Medical Evidence Review: Any documentation confirming your disability or condition will be reviewed before the meeting.
Background Information: You may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your disability, course, and study methods in advance.

The Assessment Process

The assessment itself is not a test but a discussion with a trained assessor to understand your needs.

Introduction

Explanation of the purpose of the assessment and what it involves.
Discussion of your academic course, study methods, and challenges you face due to your disability.

Discussion of Needs

Learning Needs: Discussion of how your condition affects your ability to study (e.g., concentration, reading, writing, mobility).
Support History: Review of any previous support you have received in education or elsewhere.
Daily Challenges: Exploration of how your disability impacts tasks like attending lectures, taking notes, using equipment, or accessing materials.

Recommendations

The assessor will suggest specific support and equipment based on your discussion:

Assistive Technology: Recommendations for software and equipment (e.g., laptops with screen readers, mind-mapping tools, ergonomic furniture).
Personal Support Services: Suggestions for specialist tutors, mental health mentors, or note-takers.
Adjustments: Advice on exam accommodations, alternative formats for course materials, or campus accessibility.
Travel Support: Recommendations for additional travel costs if public transport is inaccessible.

Post-Assessment Process

Assessment Report: After the meeting, the assessor will write a detailed report summarizing your needs and recommended support.
Review and Approval: The report will be sent to your funding body (e.g., Student Finance England) for review and approval.
Implementation: Once approved, the recommended equipment and services will be arranged and provided.

Key Points to Remember

The assessment is informal and focused on finding practical solutions.
You can ask questions or raise concerns throughout the process.
The recommendations are tailored to your individual needs and the demands of your course.
The goal of the needs assessment is to ensure you have all the resources necessary to thrive in your studies.

Key Tips for a Successful DSA Application

Apply Early: Start the application process as early as possible to ensure you receive the necessary support by the start of your course.
Double-check Documentation: Missing or incorrect documentation can delay your application. Review all paperwork to avoid errors.
Prepare for the Needs Assessment: Think about the types of challenges you face and discuss potential support strategies with your assessor.
Stay Informed: Keep in touch with your student finance body for updates, as they can notify you of any delays or additional information required.
Be Honest: It is important that you are very clear on all your access needs, from the day-to-day things, through to needs that may be fluctuating. Think through from start to finish, from travel to whether you can sit in a lecture theatre for longer periods, to whether you need a certain seat within a lecture theatre. If you already claim PIP, looking through your PIP assessment may help you.

Other Support Through Disabled Support Services in University

Disabled Students’ Allowance is a great financial tool to support disabled students, but it doesnt end there. Disabled students in the UK can expect a range of support from their university through Disabled Support Services, designed to help them overcome barriers to learning and fully participate in university life. Here’s what they can typically expect:

Personalised Support Plans

Creation of an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) or equivalent, outlining reasonable adjustments for assessments, lectures, and campus accessibility.

Academic Adjustments

Extra time in exams and coursework extensions
Alternative formats for course materials, such as large print, Braille, or audio versions
Lecture capture or recording permissions
Accessible online resources and virtual learning environments

Specialist Support

Assistance from specialist tutors for learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyspraxia
Mental health mentoring for students with mental health conditions
Access to disability advisors or caseworkers for tailored advice and support

Physical Accessibility

Adapted accommodation for students with physical disabilities or mobility issues
Accessible lecture halls, libraries, and other campus facilities
Priority seating or space in classrooms

Assistive Technology and Training

Support in applying for and using assistive technology, such as screen readers or dictation software
Access to computer labs with assistive technology pre-installed

Communication Support

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters or communication support workers
Note-takers or scribes for lectures and seminars

Work Placement or Study Abroad Support

Guidance on reasonable adjustments for work placements, internships, or study abroad programs
Liaison with external organizations to ensure accessibility

Well-Being and Community Support

Peer support groups or forums for disabled students
Well-being or counseling services on campus
Disability-related extracurricular activities or events

Liaison with DSA

Assistance with the DSA application process
Help coordinating support provided through DSA with university services

Free or Discounted Council Tax

Households where everyone’s a full-time student do not have to pay Council Tax. If you do get a bill, you can apply for an exemption.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

last at least 1 year
involve at least 21 hours study per week

You’ll get a Council Tax bill if there’s someone in your household who’s not a full-time student, but your household might still qualify for a discount.

Universities are legally required under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students, so the exact support offered will vary depending on the student’s needs and the resources available at the institution.

A student with learning disabilities is sat in a classroom with a tutor and a PA

What Does an Individual Learning Plan Look Like?

An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for a student with a disability typically provides a structured outline of the support and adjustments they need to ensure equitable access to their education. While the exact format may vary by institution, an ILP generally includes the following sections:

Student Information

Name: The student’s full name.
Student ID: University or college identification number.
Course Details: Name of the course, level of study, and department.
Contact Information: Email or phone number for the student.

Disability or Condition

A brief description of the student’s disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, mobility impairment).
Relevant medical or diagnostic information (with consent to share).

Key Barriers to Learning

Specific challenges the student faces due to their disability (e.g., difficulty processing large amounts of text, issues with mobility around campus, or concentration difficulties).

Recommended Adjustments

A detailed list of reasonable adjustments or accommodations, which may include:

In-Class Adjustments:
- Permission to record lectures.
- Provision of lecture slides or notes in advance.
- Use of assistive technology during lessons.
Assessment and Exam Adjustments:
- Extra time in exams (e.g., 25% additional time).
- Use of a separate, quiet room for exams.
- Alternative formats for assessments (e.g., oral presentations instead of written exams).
Accessibility Adjustments:
- Accessible seating or priority seating arrangements.
- Adjustments to classroom locations for mobility needs.
- Access to an elevator or adapted facilities.

Support Services

Details of additional support available, such as:
- Specialist tutors for academic skills (e.g., for dyslexia).
- Mental health or disability mentors.
- Note-takers or sign language interpreters.
- Peer support or group sessions for students with similar needs.

Assistive Technology

A list of recommended assistive technology or software (e.g., screen readers, dictation software, ergonomic equipment).
Details on training for using this technology, if applicable.

Communication Preferences

How the student prefers to be contacted and communicated with (e.g., email, face-to-face, via an app).
Any specific requirements for written communication (e.g., plain English, large print).

Roles and Responsibilities

Student’s Role: Responsibilities such as attending arranged support sessions, using assistive technology provided, and communicating changes in needs.
University’s Role: Commitments such as providing the agreed adjustments, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring a contact point for disability support.

Review and Monitoring

Dates for review meetings to assess the effectiveness of the adjustments and update the ILP as needed.
Contact information for the disability advisor or relevant support staff.

Signatures and Consent

Signatures from the student and the disability support officer or advisor, confirming agreement on the content of the ILP and consent to share it with relevant parties (e.g., lecturers, exam coordinators).

The ILP is a dynamic document tailored to the student’s needs and may evolve over time to reflect changes in their condition, course demands, or feedback from the student and staff.

Final Thoughts on Claiming DSA

Claiming Disabled Students’ Allowance can be a significant step toward creating an accessible, supportive learning environment. From covering the cost of specialised software to funding personal support services, DSA is designed to level the academic playing field, helping students to focus on their studies. You can find lots of information about further education on the UCAS website.

DSA has made a great impact in my own studies, allowing me to study in further education when I believed the barriers would be too high. It saddens me when I hear of students leaving education due to a lack of support and so I wanted to share this today in the hope of spreading information and aiming to get the right support to the people who need it most.