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DSA

What are Disabled Students' Allowances?

 

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) are for UK disabled students in Higher Education.
 
The DSA helps to pay for extra costs that you may have to pay, when attending your course, as a direct result of your disability. The allowance can help with costs of a non-medical helper, major items of specialist equipment, travel and other costs.
 
More information about DSA can be found in Bridging the Gap
 
 

How to apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

 
Students should apply as soon as they can for DSAs to make sure they have everything in place for starting their course. The process can take up to three months.
 
 

 10 tips on applying for DSA

 

  1. DSAs can be applied for before or during your course (you do not have to wait until you have an offered place at University) . For more information contact Disability ASSIST.
  2. Obtain evidence (e.g. doctor's letter or full diagnostic dyslexia report)
  3. Check evidence eligibility with staff at Disability ASSIST
  4. Complete application form available from Disability ASSIST at the Learning Gateway or from your DSA website
  5. Disability ASSIST offer a check and send service and will send the application form and evidence to your funding body.
  6. Your funding body will write back to you in approximately  3-4 weeks stating your eligibility.
  7. If you application has been declined speak to Disability ASSIST as soon as possible
  8. If your application has been accepted, the letter will ask you to arrange a Study Needs Assessment
  9. Book a Study Needs Assessment with an accredited DSA QAG assessment centre. Plymouth University has a partner Assessment Centre which can arrange an assessment for you on campus
  10. Your chosen assessment centre will help you through the rest of the process.

How to book your Study Needs Assessment 

 
The DSA needs Assessment is not a test but an opportunity to evaluate a range of assistive technologies and study strategies. These will be considered in relation to the impact of your disability and the demands of your chosen course of study.
A Study Needs Assessment can be booked at any DSA QAG accredited centre.
Plymouth University have an assessment centre on campus located in 3 Portland Mews.
To book an appointment or for more information about Study Needs Assessments please telephone:
+44 (0)1752 587662
 
Please select the image below to go to the Assessment Centre website.
Plymouth Assessment Centre

​DSA Assessment
 
​DSA Assessment

​Disability ASSIST and your DSA

 Making contact with a Disability Adviser at Disability ASSIST is a key part of the DSA Assessment procedure and its outcome. The Disability Adviser can:

  • Help with the DSA Application
  • Help with arranging a DSA Needs Assessment.
  • Offer advice on the specific demands of particular courses, such as field work and laboratory/workshop activities.
  • Explain aspects of the DSA Needs Assessment report.
  • Help co-ordinate a network of support.
  • Make recommendations to academic departments about such things as Modified Assessment Provision.
  • Help to resolve any difficulties which may arise.