DSA Information
Disabled Students' Allowance - Frequently Asked
Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the
DSA process:
What is DSA?
DSA is money that has been put aside to ensure that disabled
students in Higher Education do not face additional difficulties
when they study which could prevent them reaching their potential.
In this context 'disability' can cover a range of difficulties and
conditions - including:
Attention Deficit Disorder…Dyslexia… Dyspraxia … Epilepsy…
Depression & Anxiety… An Autistic Spectrum Disorder… Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome… Mobility Difficulties… A Visual or Hearing
impairment… A Spinal Injury… Enduring Mental Health Problems…
Cerebral Palsy… MS… And a lot more!
How could DSA help me while I study?
Click here to find out!
How do I apply for DSA?
It can be quite a complicated and lengthy process, so it's a
good idea to get started as soon as possible. Your first step is to
look at the information provided by Student Finance
England. Your Disability Adviser will be happy to guide you
through the process, or you can contact us, and we'll be
happy to advise.
Download an information sheet about the DSA process by clicking here
What can it pay for?
Disabled Students' Allowance funding can be spent on computer
hardware and software, all sorts of enabling technologies and human
support in the form of additional tuition or mentoring aimed to
help you reach your potential in Higher Education.
What you will be offered will be the result of an assessment of
your individual needs.
What is a Needs Assessment?
This will usually take place at an Access Centre and is simply a
conversation between you and a specialist assessor to discuss your
needs in relation to your course, and come up with some ideas about
support and solutions.
What happens after the assessment?
The assessor writes a report which, once you've read and agreed
it, is sent to your funding body (as well as your university and
disability unit if you want it to). Student Finance should then
approve the assessor's recommendations, and contact you to let you
know how to proceed with getting the equipment and support.
How Long will it all take
Assessment Procedures and Timescales
The Higher York Access Centre complies with the procedures set
out in the Quality Assurance Group for Disabled Students’
Allowances (QAG) Framework Policies and Procedures.
At the time of writing these are:
Before the Assessment
- We will respond to your request for an assessment within 1
working day.
- We will offer you an assessment date that is within 15 Working
Days of your initial request, or put you in touch with another
assessment centre.
The Assessment
- Will take place in an appropriate space in accordance with QAG
criteria.
Will be conducted by an appropriate assessor.
- Appropriate equipment will be available for the
assessment.
- The length of the assessment will vary from case to case, but
is usually around one and a half to two hours.
The Report
- Will be produced in a format that the student can access, this
will be agreed at the time of the assessment between the student
and the assessor.
- Will be produced to QAG timescales, currently these are:
- A copy of the report will be sent to the student within 10
working days of Assessment. HYAC give the student up to 10 working
days to respond with any changes required. Changes in report are
made if appropriate, sent back to student, if necessary, within 1
Working day.
- Final Report will be sent to Funding Body, (and If permission
given by student, also to University Department and Disability
Unit). Within 1 Working day of receiving confirmation from
student.