Access for Students is a Government approved agency that provides Disability Student Allowance (DSA) assessments in South Wales and South West England. This is an established company with an experienced team, who assist students with their DSA assessment, identifying what they need to complete their studies.

This company does not provide any funding or make any final decisions. Their responsibility is to carry out the DSA assessment, identifying the services and equipment the student needs to complete their studies, putting the student on an even playing field with other students.

DSA is government-funded, helping students with numerous disabilities, get the higher education that they need from specialist equipment to non-medical helper allowances and general and travel allowances. The 2022/2023 academic year can provide full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students with up to £25,575 in support.

The eligible disabilities include long term health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. The Disability Student Allowance does not depend on the household income, the allowance allocated is based on the students’ needs and what they need to study with confidence.

During a recent interview, the Director at Access for Students, Lauren Gardener said “Some of the allowances offered includes the cost of day to day studying, which are related to your disability. An example of this could be photocopying costs. There is also specialist equipment, maybe a computer with disability-related software. Any equipment purchased must be included in the study needs assessment. The non-medical helper allowance can be for a British Sign Language interpreter, readers or note-takers.”

Students can also be given a travel allowance, which provides extra travel costs to get to college or university. The amount given is always based on the disability and what is needed to complete studies. DSA is available to anyone with a disability that impacts their ability to study, from dyslexia and ADHD to anxiety, depression, physical disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Only students who as undergraduate or postgraduate students can apply, this includes those studying at Open University or through distance learning. The allowance comes from Student Finance England and the studying must be full or part-time and last a minimum of one year.

About Us:

Access for Students is a United Kingdom-based DSA assessment specialist, government registered to provide students with an assessment, identifying the equipment and support they may need to complete their studies. The company comprises a friendly and knowledgeable team, offering comprehensive advice for students who are eligible for DSA and have been told by their funding body to get an assessment of their needs. Access for Students does not provide funding. Their service is to help students identify what they need to complete their studies, such as a sign language interpreter or a specialist note-taking. Full details can be found on their information-packed website at https://www.accessforstudents.co.uk.