Needs Assessment

• Government funding to which you are entitled if your ability to access your studies is affected by a disability, health condition or specific learning difference.
• The amount of funding and type of support you receive will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
• It can fund items such as:
  • Specialist equipment e.g. assistive technology, laptop
  • Non-medical helpers e.g. specialist notetaker, mentoring, study skills support
  • Other disability-related study support e.g. printing allowance, travel costs
• You cannot use DSA to cover your living costs or fees.

1. Check with your funding body to see if you are eligible for DSA. 
2. Follow the guidance on how to apply for your relevant funding body.

• Student Finance England
• Students Awards Agency for Scotland
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Research Councils
• NHS
• Ireland

• An appointment with a needs assessor to discuss the impact your disability, health condition or specific learning difference may have on your studies.
• It will allow you to discuss the challenges you are currently facing, how you have been supported in the past and explore support that can be put in place for your University studies.
• It can be with our Service or a needs assessment centre local to where you live. 
• It can be done prior to starting your studies. 
• It will last up to 2 hours
• Your funding body will cover the cost of the assessment, you do not have to pay. 

• The assessor will produce a Needs Assessment Report that makes recommendations for the support you require.
• You will be sent a draft of the report and asked to confirm you are satisfied with the content.  You can suggest edits to the report.
• Once you have signed off the report it will be submitted to your funding body.

• Your funding body will review your application and write to you with their decision by email/letter. 

1. Send us a copy of your funding letter.
2. Read and follow the instructions on the funding letter.  It will include information on how to order equipment, arrange non-medical helpers (e.g. mentor or tutor), recoup funds for other expenses

NB: Any recommended support will not be automatically arranged.  You must contact the supplier to arrange for the support to be put in place.

• Diversity & Ability DSA Guidance