Disabled Students' Allowance
What are Disabled Students’ Allowances?
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is available to students who may have extra expenses, as a direct result of their disability, arising from attending a higher education course. The allowance is there to help disabled students benefit fully from their course. For some, it can mean the difference between being able to study and having to leave their course.
Part of your needs assessment may be recommendations for certain types of Assistive Technology software. This is where Circle Training comes in - we will show you how to integrate your technology into the different aspects of your academic life; working together to help you achieve your full academic potential.
Who can receive the DSA?
Students can be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances if they have a disability, mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty, which affects their ability to study.
Health conditions and learning difficulties that qualify:
Students may be eligible for DSAs if they have any of the following:
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A mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.
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A specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.
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A developmental disorder, such as autism, ADHD/ADD.
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A progressive medical condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer or HIV.
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A sensory impairment, which could affect the ability to see or hear.
Other conditions not mentioned on this list may be covered by DSAs if they meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.
The support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income.
Government guide on the Disabled Student's Allowance.
What can the DSA pay for?
You can get help with the costs of:
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Specialist equipment, e.g. a computer if you need one because of your disability.
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Non-medical helpers including assistive technology training.
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Extra travel because of your disability.
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Other disability-related costs of studying.
You may get a new computer if you don’t already have one, or your current one doesn’t meet the required specification.
You will need to pay the first £200, which is the minimum cost that any student is likely to incur when buying a computer.
Further Information:
Disability Rights UK is a wonderful organisation that champions equality for the disabled community. It is the leading charity of its kind in the UK and is run by and for people with lived experiences of disability or health conditions. Their factsheet on the Disabled Students’ Allowance is frequently updated to reflect any changes that might affect your rights.
View Disability Rights DSA Factsheet
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