The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) provides funding for students whose disability or specific learning difficulty affects their ability to study.
If you have always found reading, writing, organisation, concentration or managing your workload more difficult than expected, an assessment can help identify the reasons and provide evidence to support an application for DSA.
DSA is government funding that helps eligible students access the support they need throughout higher education.
Support may include:
The funding is intended to remove barriers to learning rather than provide financial support.
Check your eligibility for the DSA. Gather evidence of your learning disability, including relevant dyslexia assessments or ADHD documentation. Apply through Student Finance and wait for approval to book a Study Needs Assessment, which can be conducted remotely or in-person. The Study Needs Assessment is designed to identify the specific support you need for your studies. It is a two-way discussion, so be prepared to ask questions, ask for clarification if you are unsure about anything, and be realistic about your difficulties.
Before attending, it may be useful to read through the impact and recommendations sections in your dyslexia or ADHD identification assessment reports and see if these fully reflect your current needs, especially if these were conducted before you started your university studies, and your needs have changed. Make an updated list of needs and take it with you. Attend the Study Needs Assessment and receive a report recommending the necessary support, which may include assistive technology. Finally, arrange the agreed-upon support for dyslexia or ADHD.
A dyslexia or ADHD identification assessment report will confirm the presence of dyslexia or ADHD. It will detail how reading, writing, spelling, or processing skills are affected, as well as how ADHD impacts your studies. This information is important during the DSA application process. It can identify what types of support may be beneficial, and outline what reasonable adjustments might be necessary.
Apply as early as possible to access essential resources. You do not have to wait until problems become serious.
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