This page has information on the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for 2008/09.
Background
The aim of the DSA, both undergraduate and postgraduate, is to assist with additional costs such as items of specialist equipment and non-medical help. DSA support exists to enable disabled students to study at the same level as their non-disabled fellow students.
Full-time and part-time students, including distance-learning students may be eligible.
Eligibility criteria
If you have a physical disability, mental health disability or a specific learning disability and attend a recognised course you may be eligible (PGCE courses are classed as undergraduate courses for DSA purposes). This includes part-time courses.
DSA support is not means tested. Eligibility for DSA is not affected by age and does not have to be paid back.
How do I show that I am eligible?
You will need to provide evidence to the Student Access and Support Team regarding your disability, either medical evidence concerning a physical or mental disability or a psychological assessment if you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia. This evidence is assessed at the first stage of your application and following analysis of this information the authority may agree to pay for a study strategies assessment report. This report will identify the areas which require additional support.
Support funding
The authority can offer financial support to the following levels:
Full-time undergraduate students:
- Specialist equipment allowance - up to £5,030 for the whole of your course
- Non-medical helper's allowance - up to £20,000 a year
- General Disabled Students' Allowance - up to £1,680 a year
The authority can also give funding for extra travel costs (because of your disability).
Part-time undergraduate students:
- Specialist equipment allowance - up to £5,030
- Non-medical helper's allowance - as a percentage of the full-time rate, according to the workload of a part-time course, up to £15,000 a year.
- General Disabled Students Allowance as a percentage of the full-time rate in the same way as the non-medical helper's allowance, to a maximum of £1,260 per year
The authority can also give funding for extra travel costs (because of your disability).
These grants do not have to be repaid.
For full-time and part-time postgraduate students
There is one allowance to meet all costs of up to £10,000 a year for both full-time and part-time postgraduate students. You can use this for specialist equipment, non-medical personal helpers, extra travel costs or other course-related costs. The amount of Disabled Student Allowance you receive will depend on the Disabled Student Allowance needs assessment.
Specialist equipment allowance
This allowance is to help you buy any items of equipment you may need. You can also use it to pay for any repair, technical support, insurance or extended warranty costs arising from owning that equipment. You can apply for this allowance at any time during your course.
For further information contact The Children and Young People Information Service on 01454 868008 or email educ.grants@southglos.gov.uk