Access for Students can assist disabled students to find a qualified DSA (Disability Student Allowance) assessor who will need to conduct a study needs assessment which will identify the kind of support the student will need for the duration of their course.

Access for Students will assist to find a qualified DSA assessor to identify any training that may be needed for equipment or software before the course commences. The assessor will have a casual and relaxed one-on-one 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 needs assessor will assist the student if any additional support is needed for the duration of the course.

The assessor will ensure that every appropriate action taken will help and support the student in their studies. They will assist in any way they can to ensure the student can reach their goals. 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 conducting the study 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 the 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 placement at a university or college, but the student can apply for a DSA study needs assessment while studying.

“Once the DSA needs assessor has completed the student’s assessment, it may take a few weeks to receive the agreement letter from the funding body. The assessor will be able to assist the student if they are experiencing trouble with the funding process,” said Lauren Gardener, Director, of Access for Students.

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 assessors’ 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.

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 provides 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. Visit: https://www.accessforstudents.co.uk