Please note that the information we have given here is based on our understanding of DfES documentation and reported practice in England. For definitive information you will need to obtain original documents from the DfES web site, your "home" LEA and your University or College. In particular you should read the booklet "Bridging the Gap" which you can get from your LEA , downoad from the DfES web site or get by post from 0800 731 9133 (Braille and big print versions can also be ordered).
What to do before you arrive at University or College
Your first step should be to fill in the appropriate sections in all of your application forms as early as possible. It is very important to fill in the DSA forms to alert your Local Education Authority (LEA) that you think you will need extra help. It is the LEA that controls the procedures that can lead to you getting support and resources you will need for your course. Your University or College will also probably have sections on their application and registration forms by which you can alert the Disability Officer that you will need help during your course.
If you have previously had special provision and have recent reports or documentation then the process of deciding what help you will need can be started before you start at your University or College, perhaps even before your results come out and you know exactly where you will be studying! You will need to contact your LEA to find out what needs to be done to make sure you have provision from the day you start your course.
What to do when you are already at University or College
If you realise after your course starts that you are having difficulties which could be caused by a disability that had not previously been formally diagnosed you can still get help! It has not always been the case that children who have had difficulties are spotted and supported while they are at school, especially those who are more able! Many people have quietly put their effort into hiding their difficulties, finding ways round them through sheer hardwork, and often in the process under performing!
You should go to see the Disability Officer at your University or College and ask them to give you advice. They often will have screening tests available to help you decide if you need to get further advice and help.
How do I show that I have a disability and need extra support?
You will need to supply evidence of your disability. If you had previously been receiving help while at school or College then you should already have assessment reports or other documents which could be sufficient. However, if these are not right up-to-date you may need to get a letter or report confirming that your disability still means you will need extra help. This could be provided, for example, by a doctor or therapist, if you have physical or medical needs, or by a specialist teacher or tutor or by a psychologist if you have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. The Student Support Officer at your LEA will tell you exactly what evidence they will accept.
Your University or College may have an assessment service that will supply what ever report is needed. Often this can be paid for through University funding but sometimes you will have to pay yourself. The LEA's DSA funding will not usually pay for diagnostic assessments and reports.
What happens once I have shown that I have a disability?
You will need to go for Needs Assessment which will be authorised by your LEA. This will be done by an approved assessor working with an Assessment Centre. This does not have to be done through the Centre attached to your University or College but there may be some advantages to being seen by people who work in the same location as you.
The Needs Assessment report will detail the equipment and services recommended by the Assessor as necessary for you to coplete your course. Quotations for the supply of the equipment and services will be obtained from specialist suppliers who have signed up to the DSA Service Level Agreement. Your Assessor and University or College will probably have preferred supplier(s) but since the money is legally yours you can also obtain quotations from other suppliers. When the Needs Assessment report and quotations have been approved your LEA will tell you how much you can spend. You can then contact your chosen supplier(s) to order the equipment and services the LEA has agreed that you need.
What is available?
A specialist equipment allowance in 2004/05 of up to £4,565 for the whole of your undergraduate course, a non medical helper allowance of up to £11,550 per year (£8,670 for part time study), a general allowance of up to £1,525 per year (£1,140 for part time study) and extra travel costs. This amount is intended to cover very severe needs so only a few students get the full allowances. How much each student gets is determined by the LEA Student Support Officer following the DfES guidance. There is also a post graduate allowance of up to £5,500.
If you need advice, information or a quotation for specialist equipment and services for the Disabled Students' Allowance, please contact us.
