Setting Up Your Support At University

1. Setting Up Your Support At University Hazel Potter – Aimhigher Graduate Officer Nicki Ho – MMU Learning Support Adviser

2. What counts as a disability in Higher Education? • The definition of disability acknowledges a wide range of health conditions, specific learning differences, mental health difficulties and sensory impairments • If you have had an ongoing condition for a year or more it is possible that it could be considered a disability. Contact student services at your college, sixth form or university to discuss if unsure

3. In H.E, who should I tell about my disability or specific learning difficulty? • UCAS • The student support services at your chosen university • Disabled Student Allowances

4. What is DSA? • Disabled Student Allowances provide funding for ‘extra’ study-related support if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.

5. How do the university staff fit in? • Speak to the support services at your university asap – give them a call or a visit • They can help you to complete your DSA form • They will complete a personal learning plan that lays out your learning support requirements within the university • If you are not entitled to DSA, you may still be entitled to learning support from the university

6. Who are DSAs aimed at? • DSAs help pay for extra costs you may have to pay when studying as a result of a disability or specific learning difficulty. • They are aimed at helping disabled people to study on an equal basis with other students. • Eligible full-time, part-time and postgraduate students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances.

7. Extra info... • The amount you get doesn’t depend on your household income. • DSAs are paid on top of the standard student finance package. • They don’t have to be paid back, and when you finish your course, you can keep any equipment you receive.

8. What can DSA be used for? • specialist equipment - for example, specialist software, digital voice recorder and spellcheckers • a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker, study skills tutor or BSL interpreter • other costs - for example, printer paper, photocopying or internet costs • extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability

9. Getting proof of your disability or learning difficulty • If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition, you will need to provide a letter from a medical professional. • If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you must provide a 'diagnostic assessment report' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you have had an assessment in the past, it may need to be updated.

10. Applying for DSA - Step by Step Feb – April • Complete the DSA application form (you can get help from student support services at your uni) You can download it at www.direct.gov.uk

11. Applying for DSA - Step by Step May – July • If you qualify, you will be invited to a study needs assessment at an access centre. • Contact your university student support services to arrange a study support plan.

12. Applying for DSA - Step by Step July / August • The access centre will send your to assessment report to your funding body. • You will receive a letter stating their decisions - including what support can be paid via DSAs, how to order equipment and obtain other support. • Forward this letter to your university.

13. Applying for DSA - Step by Step August / September • Receive equipment and arrange other support outlined in your assessment report, in time to start university in September.

14. Apply early! • The DSA application process takes time, due to the volume of applications that the university and funding bodies are having to deal with • On average, applications take three months • Start the process of applying as early as possible

15. Any Questions?