Learn how to find a study needs assessor in the UK with ease. Follow our guide and get the support you need for successful learning.

How to find a study needs assessor in the UK

If you're a student with a disability in the UK, you may qualify for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help you with the cost of specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, and other support services. To determine your DSA eligibility, you'll need to undergo a study needs assessment. Here’s everything you need to know about what a study needs assessment is and how to find a study needs assessment centre and needs assessor.

Everything you need to know about the Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a government-funded financial support system available to eligible students pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom who have a disability, health condition, or specific learning difficulty. It aims to provide extra support to help students overcome any barriers to learning that their disability may cause.

The DSA is part of the wider student support and disability support services provided by universities and colleges in the UK and is administered by Student Finance England. It is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and the amount of funding awarded varies based on the individual needs of each student.

How DSA funding is determined

The funding body determines the amount of support based on the needs of the student. It can be used to cover the cost of a range of items, such as assistive technology, equipment, and additional study support, such as extra tuition and mentoring.

DSA eligibility

The DSA is not just limited to physical disabilities but also extends to mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. Students who are eligible can apply for the DSA via their university or college's disability support team.

Application process for the Disabled Students' Allowance

The application process for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in the UK typically involves the following steps:

1. Check eligibility — Students should check their eligibility for the DSA by contacting the disability support team or disability advisor at their university or college. To be eligible, students must have a disability, health condition, or specific learning difficulty that has a substantial and long-term impact on their ability to study.
2. Submit evidence — Students will need to provide evidence of their disability or health condition to support their application. This may include medical or educational reports, letters from healthcare professionals, or evidence of a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.
3. Assessment — Once the application form and evidence have been submitted, the student will usually be invited to attend an assessment with a DSA needs assessor. The assessment will identify any specific needs that the student has, such as assistive technology, equipment, or additional study support.
4. Funding award — Based on the assessment, the funding body will determine the amount of funding that the student is eligible to receive. The funding award will be outlined in a letter sent to the student, which they will need to sign and return to accept the offer.
5. Equipment and support — Once the funding award has been accepted, the student can start to arrange for any equipment or support identified in the assessment to be provided. This may include arranging for assistive technology to be installed, accessing additional study support, or purchasing equipment such as a specialist chair or desk.

It's important to note that the application process may vary slightly between different universities or colleges, and it's best to check with the disability support team at your institution for specific guidance.

DSA study needs assessment

A study needs assessment is a thorough evaluation of your educational needs, including any assistive technology or study strategies that might help you succeed. During the assessment, the needs assessor will work with you to identify your specific needs and recommend any necessary support services or specialist equipment. After the assessment, you'll receive a needs assessment report outlining the recommendations.

If you're eligible for DSA, you can use the funding to cover the cost of the recommended support services, including assistive software and non-medical helpers. You may also be able to claim travel costs to attend your university or assessment appointment.

How to find a study needs assessor in the UK

In order to access a study needs assessment, students need to find a qualified study needs assessor. Here’s the top ways to find a study needs assessor in the UK:

1. Contact your university or college's disability support team — The disability support team or student finance provider at your institution will be able to provide you with information on how to access a study needs assessment. They may have a list of recommended assessors or be able to refer you to a local provider.
2. Search online — You can also search online for a study needs assessor in your area by visiting gov.uk. The DSA-QAG (Disabled Students' Allowance Quality Assurance Group) website has a searchable directory of accredited assessors that you can use to find a registered provider.
3. Ask for recommendations — You may also want to ask for recommendations from other students with disabilities or health conditions. They may be able to recommend an assessor they have used in the past and provide you with more information on their experience.

Top considerations when choosing a study needs assessor

Choosing the right study needs assessor is crucial, as it can have a significant impact on the quality of DSA support the student receives. Some of the top considerations that students should take into account when choosing a study needs assessor include:

1. Credentials — It's important to ensure that the study needs assessor you choose is registered with a professional body, such as the DSA-QAG or the Professional Association of Access and Learning Support (PALS). This will help to ensure that they meet the required standards and have the necessary experience and qualifications to conduct a thorough assessment.
2. Availability and cost — Once you have identified a potential study needs assessor, you should check their availability and any assessment fees that may apply. It's also a good idea to ask for more information on their assessment process and what to expect during the assessment.
3. Reviews — Checking reviews for a study needs assessor before choosing one is an important consideration. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and support that the assessor provides, based on the experiences of other students.

How to prepare for your study needs assessment

Before your assessment appointment, it's important to prepare by gathering any relevant medical evidence or educational reports, such as an educational psychologist’s report if you have a mental health condition. You should also familiarize yourself with the assessment process.

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. 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 the general allowance for the Disabled Students' Allowance?

The amount of allowance awarded depends on the individual student's needs and the support required. However, in general, the DSA can provide up to £25,000 per year to cover the cost of any additional support needed. This support can include specialist equipment, such as laptops or software, non-medical helpers, such as note-takers or study mentors, or other support services, such as dyslexia assessments or mobility training.

Who can assess for DSA?

Only qualified study needs assessors can assess for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in the UK. These assessors are typically independent professionals who have been trained and accredited to carry out the assessment process. Study needs assessors must be registered with a professional body, such as the Disabled Students' Allowance Quality Assurance Group (DSA-QAG) or the Professional Association of Access and Learning Support (PALS), and they must meet certain standards and criteria to maintain their registration.

What is a DSA assessment Centre?

A Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) assessment centre is a facility where students with disabilities, health conditions, or specific learning difficulties can undergo a study needs assessment to determine the type of support they may need to succeed in their studies.

What is the difference between a DSA and a study needs assessment?

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and study needs assessment are two different components of the same process for supporting students with disabilities, health conditions, or specific learning difficulties in their studies in the UK.

The study needs assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a student's individual support needs. The DSA, on the other hand, is a financial allowance that provides financial assistance to eligible students to cover the cost of any additional support or equipment recommended by the study needs assessor during the assessment process.