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What is the DSA (Disabled Students Allowance)?
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government-funded grant in the UK designed to support students with disabilities or mental health conditions. It helps students get access to the tools, support and adjustments they need to succeed in higher education. This funding covers the cost of assistive technology, specialist equipment and support services to ensure a fair learning experience.
Who is the DSA grant for?
Students with disabilities
The DSA grant helps students with physical disabilities and neurodiverse conditions to engage fully in studies. This includes students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia and more. With the right tools in place, these students can work to their full potential at university and achieve their academic goals.
Students with mental health conditions
For students with mental health conditions, the DSA grant offers funding for tools and support to help reduce stress, stay organised and work confidently. This includes students with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health challenges. Specialised software can help these students better manage their studies and stay on track of work.
Tailored tools for every need
We help higher education students across the UK with award-winning products that support reading, writing, research and maths.
Helps students to read, write and research effectively with tools to overcome literacy challenges, improve comprehension and concentration.
Flexible reading and writing tools to support students in reading, writing, studying and sitting exams with confidence.
Creates accessible PDFs, giving students flexible ways to access text, annotate their thoughts and express ideas.
Automatically corrects spelling and grammar mistakes while students type, enhancing clarity, accuracy and work quality.
Transforms maths into accessible digital formats, allowing students to type, handwrite, or dictate equations with ease.
Provides step-by-step guidance through the writing process, helping students organise thoughts, structure assignments and focus on crafting their ideas.
Simplifies task management by helping students organise projects, to-do lists and track progress to stay on top of their work.
Turns complex articles and textbooks into easy-to-read, organised summaries that are customisable. It helps students understand, organise and use the information easily.
Ready to apply or need support?
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're ready to apply for DSA support or need more information, get in touch with us today.
What is the Disabled Students Allowance?
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government-funded grant in the UK that helps cover study support for higher education students with disabilities or mental health conditions. This can be on its own or in addition to student finance. Students do not need to pay back a DSA grant.
What can DSA pay for?
You can get help with the costs of:
- Specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
- Non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
- Extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
- Other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading
Who can apply for the DSA?
You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) if you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and have a disability that affects your ability to study. This includes a:
- Specific learning difficulty or neurodiverse conditions such dyslexia, ADHD or more
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression or others
- Physical disability, for example if you have to use crutches, a wheelchair or a special keyboard
- Sensory disability, for example if you’re visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing impairment
- Long-term health condition, for example cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV
You must also be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning). Or you must qualify for student finance from Student Finance England or on a course that lasts at least a year.
What happens at a DSA assessment?
Once your eligibility for DSA is confirmed, Student Finance may ask you to contact an assessment centre to find out what help you need. The assessment is paid for through any DSA entitlement you may have and will involve a chat with an experienced assessor.
The purpose is to make sure that you have the right support in place to help you with your studies. After the assessment, you’ll get a report listing equipment and other support you can get for your course.
Why should students be claiming DSA?
Eligible students will benefit from additional support, specialist equipment and additional accommodations that they need to succeed. This gives all students equal opportunities to progress into higher education and reach their full potential.
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