Need a Disabled Students' Allowance assessment? Find a centre near you with our guide. Get the support you need to succeed.

How to find a Disabled Students' Allowance assessment centre

As a student with a disability, you may face some unique challenges when it comes to your education. The good news is that there is support available to help you overcome these barriers and succeed in your studies. One form of assistance is the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), which provides funding for equipment, software, and support services to help you access your course materials and complete your assignments.

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance?

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is government-funded financial support that provides extra financial support for students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties, or long-term health conditions that are pursuing higher education. The allowance is intended to help students overcome the additional study-related costs they may face as a result of their disability learning difficulty, such as the need for specialized equipment or extra support services.

What does the DSA cover?

The DSA can cover a wide range of expenses, including assistive technology, non-medical helpers, and travel costs. Some of the items and services that may be covered by the DSA include:

• Assistive technology and other specialized computer software, such as speech to text software or a screen reader
• Non-medical helpers, such as note-takers, sign language interpreters, or study mentors
• Travel costs related to your disability, such as taxi fares or accessible transportation to and from the university
• Specialist equipment, such as ergonomic chairs or adjustable desks

• Other support services, such as study skills training or mentoring

The DSA application process

The application process for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in the UK for both undergraduate and postgraduate students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties usually involves several steps.

To start the application process, students need to obtain an application form from their university's disability support service or download it from the relevant Student Finance website.

The application form must be supported by relevant medical evidence from a healthcare professional, such as a GP or specialist. The medical evidence should describe the nature and extent of the student's disability or specific learning difficulty. This evidence helps in determining the level of support the student will receive from the DSA.

If a student has a mental health condition or impairment, they may be required to provide additional information, such as a letter from a mental health professional like an educational psychologist’s report or other evidence of their impairment.

Once the application form and medical evidence have been submitted, the student will be invited to attend an in-person DSA study needs assessment. This assessment is designed to identify the student's specific support needs and may involve a discussion of their disability.

It’s important to note the process may vary depending on which funding body is responsible for approving your Disabled Students’ Allowance. For example, your funding body may be Student Finance England (SFE) or Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI).

What is the DSA study needs assessment?

Before you can receive any funding from the DSA, you will need to undergo an assessment to determine your specific needs. The DSA needs assessment is designed to identify the challenges you face as a result of your disability and recommend appropriate support services or equipment. The assessment is carried out by a qualified needs assessor who has experience working with students with disabilities.

Top places to find a Disabled Students' Allowance assessment centre

If you are interested in applying for the DSA, you will need to locate a Disabled Students' Allowance assessment centre. These centres are run by a variety of organizations, including student finance bodies, universities, and private companies. Some centres may require you to have a referral from your educational institution or funding body before you can book an assessment.

Top places to find a Disabled Students' Allowance assessment centre:

1. Student Finance England — Student Finance England is the primary funding body for students in England. They have a network of assessment centres throughout the country.
2. Universities — Many universities have their own DSA assessment centres on campus and even if they do not have on-campus assessment centres, your university’s disability support team can provide you with a list of recommended assessment centers in your area.
3. Local Councils — Some local councils may provide DSA assessments for residents in their area.
4. Private Assessment Centres — There are a number of private assessment centres that provide DSA assessments throughout the UK.
5. Government website — One way to find a DSA assessment center is to visit the gov.uk website. There you can find information about the DSA and a list of approved assessment centers across the UK.

Important considerations when choosing a DSA needs assessment centre

It's important to note that not all assessment centres are created equal. It's important to do your research and choose a centre that has experience working with students with your specific disability or condition. You may also want to consider the cost and location of the centre when making your decision. We also recommend always reading reviews beforehand.

What you should expect from the assessment process

When you attend a needs assessment centre, you will be seen by a needs assessor who will go through the assessment process with you. The assessment can take several hours and may include a discussion about your needs, a review of any medical evidence or reports you have, and some practical tests. If you have any concerns or questions, make sure to raise them with your needs assessor.

After the assessment, you will receive an assessment report which outlines the support you are eligible for. This report will also detail the equipment and software you need, any recommended non-medical helpers, and any other support you require. You may also receive a DSA1 form which you need to complete and send to your funding body.

How to use the DSA to cover Speechify

If you require assistance with reading and note-taking due to a specific learning difficulty or learning disability, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD, or a physical disability like a vision impairment, Speechify may be eligible for funding under the DSA. To determine eligibility, you will need to undergo a needs assessment, and if approved, you can then apply for funding to cover the cost of the software.

With Speechify’s text to speech technology, you can turn any physical or digital text into audio files, including web pages and handwritten notes. This helps students who struggle with reading and note-taking to better access their course materials. Speechify's technology can also help with other tasks, such as proofreading, by allowing the user to listen to their written work being read back to them. By providing an alternative way to engage with course materials, Speechify can help students to improve their academic performance and achieve their goals. Try Speechify for free today to see how it can help you.

FAQ

What is a bursary?

A bursary is a financial award that is provided to a student to support their education. Unlike a loan, a bursary does not need to be repaid.

When should I receive my DSA eligibility letter?

The time it takes to receive your eligibility letter for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) may vary depending on your funding body and the complexity of your case. However, generally, it can take up to 6 weeks to receive your eligibility letter once you have submitted all the necessary documentation and information.

Is the Disabled Students' Allowance an entitlement?

Yes, the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is an entitlement for eligible students in the UK. This means that if a student meets the eligibility criteria for DSA, they are entitled to receive the allowance to help cover the cost of any additional support or equipment they may need to succeed in their studies due to a disability, health condition, or specific learning difficulty.