If prospective applicants feel unsure, it is advisable to converse with the funding body for advice, and if it is not possible to attend the DSA needs assessment at Access for Students Offices, due to a medical condition, online options are available via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

When applying for the DSA Allowances a DSA1 form needs to be completed, by downloading the form and clicking on the correct links. Once the DSA application form has been completed, it should be returned to the funding body. If all the requirements are met and the funding body gives the green light, then an assessment needs to be arranged, to determine the level of assistance that needs to be allocated.

This is where Access for Students plays a vital role in assisting already challenged prospective students, seamlessly, through the process. This professional company with its friendly staff will help to arrange the needs assessment if necessary, alternatively, students can complete it online.

According to Lauren Gardener, a Director at Access for Students, “DSA’s are grants that are awarded to prospective students to assist with essential additional costs, resulting from a disability. This may refer to a long-term health condition, mental-health condition, or a specific learning impairment, including dyslexia or DCD (dyspraxia). DSA does not have to be paid back and funding is available for the purchase of specialist equipment, or additional insurance or warranty costs for expensive equipment. The funding can cover the costs of study skills tutors, mentors, sign-language interpreters, or note-takers, printer cartridges, Braille paper, and other non-medical assistance the individual may require.”

Once the relevant documents (including the DSA eligibility letter and medical reports) are available, the needs assessor will prepare a file for the assessment process to proceed.

It is crucial to attend the DSA needs assessment, which is an informal meeting with a highly skilled assessor, ready to empathetically listen to the everyday challenges and assist with the necessary support needed, to make it possible to attend a course. The assessment usually takes about 2 hours.

Within 5 working days of the assessment, a report will be sent to the recipient, stipulating recommendations that have been suggested. Recommendations will be taken under review and feedback will be given to the prospective students within 10 working days. The funding body will send a letter of approval, stipulating that the support has been granted, and instructions on how to order equipment, and access further support.

Support will be offered to students throughout the course. Should any additional support be required in future, during the duration of the course, it is advisable to contact Access For Students, for assistance and informative advice and how the problem could be resolved in the best possible way.

About Us:

The UK based Access for Students is an organisation assisting individuals with DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) related matters. Friendly and well-trained staff will assist with advice on how to obtain the correct paperwork and will assist individuals to reach their full potential with the help of the financial aid, obtained using DSA, covering study-related costs for students with mental health issues, long-term illness or other disabilities. Bookings for a DSA assessment can be done via the user-friendly Access for Students Webpage, by choosing a date and time and providing the necessary details. Access for Students has DSA Assessment Centres in Wales, the South West and the South East of England. For more information, please visit https://www.accessforstudents.co.uk.