There are many ways for disabled students to apply for an educational disability grant or allowance. Many companies provide an opportunity for students to apply for a disability grant or tuition reduction, sponsorships from charitable trusts, bursary funds or companies and government disability grants.
If a student has a disability or a specific learning disability that requires special needs in higher education, they may be eligible to apply for an educational disability grant or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
These allowances cover extra disability-related costs and expenses while the student is studying, it covers items over and above other costs determined by the college or university.

DSA has four allowance areas that are covered. Specialist equipment allowance that may include a computer or laptop or screen reading software. A non-medical helper’s assistance is to support students to benefit fully from the course such as a sign language expert or a specialist mentor. A carer for daily living needs for personal assistance.

General and other expenses will cover additional costs not covered by other allowances such as a top-up to equipment or hard copy materials that are additional to both disabled and non-disabled students. Travel allowances will cover extra disability-related costs in terms of public transport as opposed to the use of care due to the disability.

“Before a student applies for disability grants from bursary funds or sponsorships, they need to be aware of specific criteria and guidelines from where the disability funding is coming from. Every source of funding has its own guidelines, rules and conditions in exchange for the funding. Some may not cover full tuition while others may require a payback period in time or of a monetary nature after the course is completed,” said Lauren Gardener, Director, of Access for Students.

The amount awarded by the source of funding will depend on the study programme, individual needs and where applicable, availability of funds. If the student has applied with DSA the single maximum allowance will be £25,000.00 excluding travel. This is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying full-time or part-time.

Under the Equality Act, universities and colleges have a legal duty to support students with disabilities, but some disabilities might require a higher need for support. Disabled students who have a specific individual need for support resulting in extra costs may need to apply for further funding for example students with hearing or visual impediments.
The university or college’s disability advisor will be able to assist and provide all the information the student needs to make an informed decision to secure their future education.

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