The friendly, helpful staff at Access for Students will assist in any possible way by providing informative feedback and recommendations to prospective students in need of assistance in gaining possible funding via DSA for future studies.

Booking an online DSA needs assessment can easily be done, using the Access for Students booking system, by simply clicking on a link. Choose an appropriate date and time on the website, and complete the easy online form, by supplying all the necessary details. If an alternative date is required, simply request it by contacting the Office of Access for Students.

According to Lauren Gardener, a Director at Access For Students, “Disabled Students’ Allowance aka DSA offers financial support to cover the study-related costs to students who are suffering from mental health problems, long term illnesses or any other debilitating disability. This can be added to other student finance that is already in place. The level of support is dependent on the needs of the individual and is not determined by household income. Support is offered for undergraduate and postgraduate students for between £25,000 and £30 000 for an academic year.”

DSA can contribute towards costs of specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, interpreters or specialist note-takers, travel expenses, disability-related study support, and printing of additional copies for proofreading. DSA does not cover disability-related costs if a student is not attending a course or costs that regular students may have.

The DSA allowance will enable the purchase of a new computer if the assessment determines that the course applied for, requires one, depending on whether the student does not already have one, or that the one in their possession, may not be suitable for the needs of the course. The first £200 is for the account of the student. The DSA team will supply information that is more detailed after the needs assessment has been completed.
Access for Students will assist the prospective students once eligibility for DSA has been confirmed, where Student Finance England may ask the candidate to contact an Access for Students Assessment Centre to ascertain the level of assistance needed.

This needs assessment is financed by the DSA. After completion of the assessment, a report will be issued, listing equipment and other support that has been granted for the attendance of the specific course. No equipment should be purchased before the assessment, for no reimbursements will be done.

Funds are transferred directly into the student's account, or it is paid to the organisation that provides the equipment and services.

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.