Dyslexia and Learning Support
Tips and Advice
If you think you might be dyslexic and have
never been formally assessed you can attend a dyslexia drop-in
session with our Study Development Co-ordinator Barbara
Tull. In this session you will be screened to indicate a if
you have any dyslexic tendencies. You can access funding to have a
formal diagnosis, known as an Educational Psychologists Report.
An Educational Psychologist is a specialist
who carries out a longer assessment which finds out in detail what
your strengths and weaknesses are. Once this diagnosis has
been given you will be eligible for additional funding to help with
your studies, this is called Disabled Student Allowance
(DSA).
Whilst you are waiting for the
Needs Assessment and/or funding for your support to be
approved, you can always access the Study Development team who can
ensure that you get extra help with your academic work whilst you
work your way through the process.
A Needs Assessment is an extended conversation
with a qualified person to talk through some possible ways of
supporting you in minimising your difficulties. Your
assessment will take place at an Access Centre - if you are
studying in York, your local centre is the Higher York Access Centre based at York St
John University.
Funding available to help you access support
Access to Learning Fund
(ALF)
The Access to Learning Fund is managed within
the University. It should pay for most of the Educational
Psychologist’s assessment (£315). You will be asked to
contribute £50 towards the cost of the assessment.
Disabled Student’s Allowance
(DSA)
Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) is a grant
to help meet the extra course costs students face because of a
disability. For example, DSAs can help pay for the specialist
equipment and support you need for studying. DSAs are paid on top
of the standard student finance package, or on their own. You don’t
have to pay DSAs back and they’re not counted as income when
working out whether you get benefits or Tax Credits.
A DSA1 Form is what you must fill in to apply
for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (which funds the support you
will get). You will be given the relevant form during one of
your meetings with the Disability Advice Team or you can access
them online. If you haven’t already made a claim for a Student Loan
you will need to complete the Full form known as the DSA1F.
Your Funding Body is usually Student Finance
England / Wales, Student Awards Agency for Scotland or the NHS.