A Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) experienced assessor will have a casual and relaxed chat with a student who requires a needs assessment. The assessor will understand the difficulties and challenges the student has had to face which has brought them to apply for a DSA.

The assessor will ensure that every appropriate action taken will help and support the student in their studies. The DSA support may include specialist equipment, non-medical helper support, travel allowance and other general support that may be required. The assessment will take between 1.5-2 hours.

The assessor who will be conducting the needs assessment will discuss any issues in researching for assignments, writing essays and note-taking to revise for exams. The assessor will inquire about any practical work that may be required to get around the university or college. The second part of the assessment is a chance to evaluate different types of support that is available to the student.

“An application for a DSA needs assessment should be done as soon as possible. There is no need to wait for a confirmed space at a university or college, however, the student may apply for a DSA needs assessment while studying,” said Lauren Gardener, Director, of Access for Students.

Once the DSA needs assessment is completed, it may take a few weeks to receive the agreement letter from the funding body. The letter will detail the contact information of the student’s equipment provider and non-medical helper support. The assessor will be able to assist if the student experiences trouble with the process.
The needs assessor will assist the student if any additional support is needed for the duration of the course. They will assist in any way they can to ensure the student can reach their goals.

The DSA assessor can assist the student by having the needs assessment done at home, at an alternative venue, or through online platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This is only available to those who are unable to attend the assessment due to medical conditions.

The DSA needs assessment is free of charge to the student and the costs are covered by the DSA allowance. English students (not Welsh, Scottish or NI) will be asked by the funding body to contribute £200 towards the recommended computer or laptop. Some universities or colleges can afford financial assistance in this matter.
Should travel support be recommended the student may need to contribute a minimal amount towards transport costs.

About us
Access for Students has assessment centres in Newport, South Wales and in the South West of the UK to assist disabled students to obtain a government allowance to further their higher education. The team of assessors will assess and provide advice to the student and work out what help will be needed to help them. The Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) fund support to provide assistance to cover any study-related costs due to mental health problems, long-term illness or any other disability. After completion of the needs assessment, the funding body (Student Finance Wales or England) will determine how the monetary support will be granted for the student to receive the much-needed DSA funding.