Disabled Students Allowance or DSA, is a UK government grant, that provides support to disabled students that are in higher education, ensuring a level playing field with the other students. More than half of disabled students that already receive DSA claim that they would not be confident in the passing of their course without the support that the allowance provides.

“Almost forty per cent of disabled students are not taking advantage of the support the DSA in the UK provides,” said Lauren Gardener, the Director of Access for Students, a government-approved agency that provides DSA assessments to students that have applied for the allowance. “Some students think they are not eligible or the process is too daunting, but it makes a significant difference when students need additional support to complete their postgraduate or undergraduate degree, whether studying full or part-time.”

Any UK student that applies to or attends a university with a disability or impairment, may be eligible for DSA. This includes those with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia to those with sensory impairments, physical disabilities, chronic health conditions and mental health conditions.

Medical evidence to support your diagnosis will be needed to support your DSA Bristol application. It can take up to fourteen weeks for a DSA application to be processed, therefore Lauren Gardener of Access for Students, recommend students apply as early as possible to reduce the risk of starting their course without the essential support that they need.

Lauren Gardener went on to say “This is not a loan, it is a grant that is designed to meet any additional course costs that a student may face due to their disability, whether it's someone taking notes for them, specialist software or a British Sign Language interpreter.”

Each student approved for DSA receives an allowance, based on their unique needs and the level of support that they need. The allowance is determined by each individual's needs, along with whether the person is a full time or part-time student. This is not based on household income and does not need to be repaid.

The support offered is not a size fits, which is why you may need to attend a study needs assessment at a government-approved assessment centre, such as Access for Students DSA Bristol. The assessment determines the support needed to help students complete their studies with confidence.

About Us:

Access for Students is a United Kingdom-based DSA assessment specialist, government registered to provide students with an assessment, identifying the equipment and support they may need to complete their studies. The company comprises a friendly and knowledgeable team, offering comprehensive advice for students who are eligible for DSA and have been told by their funding body to get an assessment of their needs. Access for Students does not provide funding. Their service is to help students identify what they need to complete their studies, such as a sign language interpreter or a specialist note-taking. Full details can be found on their information-packed website at https://www.accessforstudents.co.uk.