Hazel Potter – Aimhigher Graduate Officer Nicki Ho – MMU Learning Support Adviser
The definition of disability acknowledges a wide range of health conditions, specific learning differences, mental health difficulties and sensory impairments If you have had an ongoing condition for a year or more it is possible that it could be considered a disability. Contact student services at your college, sixth form or university to discuss if unsure
UCAS The student support services at your chosen university Disabled Student Allowances
Disabled Student Allowances provide funding for ‘extra’ study-related support if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.
Speak to the support services at your university asap – give them a call or a visit They can help you to complete your DSA form They will complete a personal learning plan that lays out your learning support requirements within the university If you are not entitled to DSA, you may still be entitled to learning support from the university
DSAs help pay for extra costs you may have to pay when studying as a result of a disability or specific learning difficulty. They are aimed at helping disabled people to study on an equal basis with other students. Eligible full-time, part-time and postgraduate students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances.
The amount you get doesn’t depend on your household income. DSAs are paid on top of the standard student finance package. They don’t have to be paid back, and when you finish your course, you can keep any equipment you receive.
specialist equipment - for example, specialist software, digital voice recorder and spellcheckers a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker, study skills tutor or BSL interpreter other costs - for example, printer paper, photocopying or internet costs extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability
If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition, you will need to provide a letter from a medical professional. If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you must provide a 'diagnostic assessment report' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you have had an assessment in the past, it may need to be updated.
Feb – April 1)Complete the DSA application form (you can get help from student support services at your uni) You can download it at
May – July 2)If you qualify, you will be invited to a study needs assessment at an access centre. 3)Contact your university student support services to arrange a study support plan.
July / August 4)The access centre will send your to assessment report to your funding body. 5)You will receive a letter stating their decisions - including what support can be paid via DSAs, how to order equipment and obtain other support. 6)Forward this letter to your university.
August / September 7)Receive equipment and arrange other support outlined in your assessment report, in time to start university in September.
The DSA application process takes time, due to the volume of applications that the university and funding bodies are having to deal with On average, applications take three months Start the process of applying as early as possible
Any Questions?