A disabled student who has been awarded a DSA (Disabled Student Allowance) will be allocated an experienced assessor who will have a casual and relaxed one-on-one session with a student who requires a study needs assessment at an assessment centre. The assessor will understand the difficulties and challenges the student has had to face which has brought them to apply for a DSA.

The assessment centres are available to assess students by professional assessors to determine the best course of action and solutions that will assist in overcoming study-related difficulties the student has experienced due to the disability, long-term health conditions / impairment, mental condition or learning disability.

There are many assessment centres throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The student can find the information on the UK Government website or can investigate the North London Regional Access Centre (NLRAC), which has listed many assessment centres in its database 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 assessment centres are well equipped to assist students with every disability and demonstrate various types of software available during the assessment that is best suited to the individual student. They will provide factsheets and any other material that will best be suited for students who may have dyslexia, a physical disability or autism, including voice recognition,” said Lauren Gardener, Director, of Access for Students.

The assessor who will meet the student at the assessment centre 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.

The assessor will ensure that every appropriate action taken will help and support the student in their studies and if required, the assessor can assist the student by having the needs assessment done at home instead of the assessment centre, 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 study needs assessment at the centres is free of charge to the student and the costs are covered by the DSA allowance.

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