Help with learning

lasor

Hi All

I wonder if anybody could assist me, I am a keen photographer and I read somewhere that I could get financial help in doing a college course online, I have been looking into DSA Disabled Students' Allowances however this seems a little difficult to understand. I hopefully would like to get help with the cost of the course and the purchase of a laptop so that I am able to do the course online. I have seen a number of courses some available through college or unirversity but the better couses seem to be via private companies.

I currently receive DLA (high rate mobility and middle rate care) I would be grateful if anybody could assist with any ideas of were to look for more advice

Thanks in advance for any assistance

smscat

Hi there

A good place to start would be SKILL www.skill.org.uk The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. If they can't help then they will know where to go next.

duchy

I noticed one such course with the OU. Their disability support is pretty good

allydowd

If you live in Scotland you could get an ILA grant:

ILA link

blackeberg

Some notes on the DSA:

• it is available to students on Higher Education courses (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• it's not means tested.
• you can claim it if you are on a course that is full-time or part-time if the attendance rate is at least 50% i.e. you would need to complete a three year degree in no more than six years.
• it's only designed to cover costs that you incur as a direct result of studying e.g. computer for home use, some ergonmoic equipment e.g. adjustable chair for home use, human support at university e.g. a notetaker.
• it can't be used to cover fees or other costs that the DLA covers i.e. carer type costs.

All universities have a Disability Service that can advise further on this.