DSA Needs Assessment Next Week - What To Expect?

Woodyrocks

I think I have said it all in the title but just a bit more supporting info -

I start a 3yr BA at the end of the month. Everything is in place part from my DSA. My diagnosis is BPD with Bipolar Tendencies and I have an appointment at CLASS next week, I am slightly nervous as to what to expect having never gone through a 'needs assessment' before.

My mental health keyworker normally deals with things like this (DLA etc) on my behalf but this is one I have to deal with myself :eek:

I hate the idea of being 'tested'...What will happen at the centre and what type of questions will be asked and will I be made to do anything (e.g cognitive testing??)

Please help put my mind at rest!

MrsManda

I had my assessment at CLASS as well (in London?).
Please don't worry about it.
This is not to assess the diagnosis, the fact that you've got an appointment to be assessed means the LEA have decided that you are eligible for support. What generally happens is you sit down with an assessor and talk about what your course entails, what problems you've had with your education up to this point, what issues you have in terms of studying and most importantly, what you think the LEA/university can provide which will enable you to make the most out of your studies.
The assessor will then make suggestions of equipment, software, non-medical support (such as a notetaker) and things which the university can do to help (ie. extended deadlines, extended periods for library books, extra time/rest breaks in exams...).
Once the two of you have agreed on these things, the assessor will write a report with all of the recommendations and send you and your LEA a copy and also your university's Disability Office if you allow them to. The LEA almost always accepts the report (they have to have very good reasons to turn it down). Then either the LEA will order any equipment required or authorise you to do it.

Information on what to expect from an assessment can be found in the FAQs of the CLASS website

Woodyrocks

Thanks MrsManda, yes, mine is at CLASS in London. Your post really does help me understand the process that little bit more.

Galactica_2

Just to echo what MrsManda said really. I also had my DSA assessment at CLASS in London and they were totally brilliant.
There is nothing to do with testing you or questioning your diagnosis, it's like she said, more of a chat to see what your needs are and what can be provided to help you.
You might want to think about what might make it easier for you while you are at Uni, for example they arranged for me to see a support worker at my Uni who specialises in helping people with mental health problems just as someone to touch base with and help me if I needed support getting in touch with tutors or anything like that.