Needs assessments

As part of the application process for the DSA, you are required to attend a study needs assessment. These assessments are carried out by independent assessors, who are managed by a regional Assessment Centre. The Disability Office can arrange this assessment for you.

During your assessment, you will be asked about the difficulties you have encountered with your previous studies due to your disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty. The assessor will also consider the particular demands of your course and try to anticipate any problems which may arise. Through this interview, the assessor will write a report outlining the recommendations for your support, and detail the equipment, support workers, travel expenses, training and other strategies which are deemed necessary during your course.

This report will then be sent to you for approval and, once agreed, it will then be sent to Student Finance England who decide which recommendations can be approved and funded from your DSA.