Finances:
There are multiple financial support streams available to disabled people applying for higher education, including disability benefits. The process can be pretty overwhelming so hopefully, this simplifies it a little.
Disabled Student's Allowance:
DSA’s are available to full-time and part-time students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is important to note this is not physical money. It’s important to remember that DSA isn’t actual money, rather the government provides resources as a reasonable adjustment for you to be supported in your studies whether that’s through equipment, support with a mentor or technology.
Note: If you're planning to take an eligible healthcare or social work course, you should apply for your DSA through the NHS.
The application process for DSA can take around 14 weeks. My best piece of advice would be to start applying for DSA whilst you are still looking at universities, whether that is when you are in sixth form or college, writing a personal statement, awaiting results, or planning to go back into education, making sure you have everything you need ready for the start of your course will help set you up for success, trying to access support and fill out additional paperwork while studying can quickly become overwhelming..
After you’ve applied for DSA, you’ll be told what evidence you need to submit to Student Finance England to support your application. Often, you’ll need a medical evidence from a doctor or specialist confirming your health conditions and they may be asked to fill in a form on how they affect you.
If you’re only applying for DSA and no other type of student finance, you need to complete a paper application form (DSA1). You’ll be able to download this from the link below when the service opens.
Unfortunately DSA is currently not available to international students.
For more information visit:
DSA Study Needs Assessment:
If you’re eligible for DSA, Student Finance England (SFE) will likely ask you to arrange a study needs assessment to find out what additional support you need for your course. This will take place with a Needs Assessor local to you to discuss what equipment and support will help you get the most from your course. Often they may discuss things such as how you may get to and from your lectures, access your library or self-study facilities and where you will study at home- it could be good to have some answers to these questions prepared before hand, including any difficulties you might experience accessing education.
On the day of your assessment, you can take a friend or family member with you- don’t worry too much as the assessment is very informal and is there to help you succeed.
Things to think about before your needs assessment:
1) What do you want your needs assessor to know?
2) What do you struggle with on a daily basis?
3) How does your health condition or disability affect your ability to study on an even playing field with your peers?
4) How do you see yourself accessing ALL university facilities, including the library, study rooms, printing services & travel to and from campus?
5) Is your condition likely to progress? Perhaps it could be worth asking how to report a change of circumstances for the future?
* DSA2 letter?
Support Available:
Non-medical helper allowance: This is to help pay for support workers (such as readers, sign language interpreters, or note-takers) and other non-medical assistance you need to benefit fully from your course.
Equipment, Devices & Software:
You may be able to get a new computer if you don’t already have one, or if your current one doesn’t meet the required specification. You’ll need to make a contribution of around £200 towards the cost of any computer.
* Write about dragon, read and write, mind view etc.
Support at University:
Taxis To & From Campus- Contribute the cost of the bus fair
Two Week Extensions- Often universities can be flexible on this
Mentor- to support with task - specific
Note Taker- to take notes in lectures and seminars
Paper & Ink Allowance- to print at home if Libraries aren’t accessible
Printer- to print at home if Libraries aren’t accessible
Recording Device- to record and listen back to lectures and seminars
Headset- to record yourself speaking or for dictation
Software Such As Dragon & Read And Write or mind map software
Ergonomic Equipment- Mouse, Desk, Chair etc
Library Assistance
Lightweight Laptop
Exam Rooms With A 1-2-1 Invigilator Plus Breaks
Exam Support:
1) Scribes- to write or type for you in an exam
2) Separate Rooms- smaller rooms with less people in
3) A Room Alone- isolated rooms alone
4) Smaller Room
5) Regular rest breaks- opportunities to go outside with the support of an invigilator
6) Laptop Submission As Opposed To Handwritten
Financial Support:
Travel Allowance:
This helps with any extra travel costs you may have to attend your university, college, or placement because of your disability. The amount you get will depend on your disability and the distance. For example, I cannot get public transport due to my disability, therefore, have disability taxis funded to university every day. (I pay the contribution of the local bus fare.)
grants:
Disability specific
Disability Grants UK:
I could do a whole post on this one so for now just know there are lots of pots of money out there to help disabled people- accessing them can be a little complicated but definitely worth it.
Loans:
If you’re a full-time student when applying for other student finance, such you’re Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Loan, you’ll be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)- simply tick the disabled student box from your online account after you’ve submitted your main student finance application.
Uni:
Every university has different support funds. Some universities offer financial hard-ship funds so it is always worth speaking to your disability support services about these.
Benefits:
Some people are eligible to get certain disability related benefits whilst studying. for example, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Limited Capability for work and work - related activity (LCWRA) as well as their student loan, there are also options available to care leavers and prison leavers entering higher education so it’s definitely worth getting in touch with your local job centre, disability charity or contacting citizens advice for support.
But this is not the case for everyone. So, it is important, to be honest about your abilities to work a part time job etc.
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