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Applying for the DSA

Applying for the DSA. March 2013. Key points. University is different to college – it’s up to you to sort these things out There is a lot of support available Get in touch with Disability Services – they are there to help Don’t underestimate how long this process will take

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Applying for the DSA

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  1. Applying for the DSA March 2013

  2. Key points • University is different to college – it’s up to you to sort these things out • There is a lot of support available • Get in touch with Disability Services – they are there to help • Don’t underestimate how long this process will take • Even if you think you’ll be able to manage without support, apply for it now – you don’t have to use it • This is a great opportunity to start developing learning strategies that work best for you • Remember – you are preparing for future employment • Make the most of what’s available for you now!

  3. Who can apply? As a higher education student living in England, you can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a: • disability • long-term health condition • mental health condition • specific learning difficulty (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD or dyscalculia The earlier you disclose that you are a disabled student the quicker your support can be put in place.

  4. Proving you’re eligible It is useful to contact the Disability Advisor or Dyslexia Coordinator at your University or College, they may be able to tell you if you qualify for DSA.

  5. What is a diagnostic assessment? Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties are diagnosed by either: • A Chartered Psychologist specialising in adult dyslexia; or • An appropriately qualified specialist assessor with post graduate training in dyslexia and a Practising Certificate. The assessment must be carried out after your 16th birthday Full assessments for adults take up to 3 hours to complete and test a range of skills including reading, writing, memory, phonological processingand underlying ability You will receive a detailed written report which should include recommendations for special arrangements in tests and exams Note: the JCQ exams form used in FE does not count as a suitable assessment

  6. Getting a diagnostic assessment (SpLD) • If you are in Further Education, it may be possible to get an assessment via the Learning Support Department of your College. • For Higher Education, some universities may fund or part-fund assessments once you have started your course • If you can, get an up to date assessment now, before you start your course. it will mean that you will be able to access support on your course much sooner.  • Don’t underestimate how long this will take!

  7. How to find a diagnostic assessor • The British Dyslexia Association website has information on getting an assessment for dyslexia • The British Psychological Society website has a ‘Find a Psychologist’ facility. • For information on specialist assessors with a Practising Certificate awarded by PATOSS or Dyslexia Action: • PATOSS:Tel. 01386 712 650Web: http://www.patoss-dyslexia.org • Dyslexia Action:Tel. 01784 222 300Web: http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

  8. How to apply for a DSA Once you have an up to date diagnostic report…. • Apply for the DSA as soon as you have a provisional offer for your course • Fill in a DSA1 form • Use the short form if you’ve applied for a loan • Use the long form if you are part-time, postgraduate or you don’t have a loan – this will need to be signed by your university • DSA1 guidance notes can be found here • Bridging the Gap - A guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) in higher education • Send a copy of your diagnostic report in with your form – don’t send originals!!

  9. Where to send your forms For Student Finance England: Student Finance England PO Box 210 Darlington DL1 9HJ  For other Funding Bodies: • Student Finance Wales • Student Finance Northern Ireland • NHS Student Bursaries • Student Awards Agency Scotland • The Open University • Research Councils UK

  10. Your ‘needs assessment’ Once you get a letter from Student Finance England (SFE) confirming that you are eligible for a DSA… • Contact an assessment centreto book an appointment for a needs assessment • The needs assessment is different to the diagnostic assessment. • It is an informal meeting with an experienced DSA Needs Assessor – you won’t have to take any tests this time. • You do not have to pay for the DSA Needs Assessment.

  11. During the needs assessment • Your DSA Needs Assessment will take up to 2 hours • The Needs Assessor will discuss the Specialist Support and Assistive Technology that may be useful for you on your course. • Before your assessment, it is a good idea to look at some of the software the needs assessor might show you • Assistive Technology – free trials • Opensourcesoftware • Useful apps for your phone or ipad • Talk to the Needs Assessor about any learning strategies that work for you and any difficulties you have

  12. After the needs assessment After the assessment, you’ll get a report listing equipment and support recommended for you – this will also be sent to SFE Your recommendations may include: • Specialist equipment and assistive software • Non-medical helpers, like a specialist Study Skills Tutor, a mentor, note-taker or reader • Extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability • A General Allowance for photocopying and printing costs, and for non-core text books DSAs don’t cover disability-related costs you’d have if you weren’t attending a course, or costs that any other student might have.

  13. What happens next? • You need to wait for SFE to agree the recommendations in your report • When they do, you will receive an entitlement letter • The letter will state the funding that has been approved and the different suppliers to contact for your equipment, assistive technology training and any non-medical help you may need. • Please read the letter!! • You are responsible for arranging delivery of your equipment and setting up your support – this won’t happen automatically.

  14. How DSAs are paid • Service providers and equipment suppliers will invoice SFE directly and they will be paid from your DSA • The DSA is different to your student loan / finance – you don’t need to pay it back • How much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income. If you’re a part-time student your ‘course intensity’ can affect how much you get. • For your General Allowance, keep your receipts and send them in to SFE with a claim form. They will pay this into your bank account

  15. Useful information • Your DSA – Assistance and support • Diversity and Ability – DSA Find your way guide • Discover DSA – support and advice, including videos • DSA information - NASMA

  16. What can you do now? • Get a diagnostic assessment done now! – either through your college or privately • Start looking at some Assistive Technology - think about what might work for you: • Opensource software • Assistive Technology – free trials • Useful apps for your phone or ipad • Get in touch with Disability Services at the university

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