Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)

Penelope_Penguin

Good afternoon!

I wondered if there's anyone on this board who can assist me

DD is 18yo and coming to the end of a BTEC Art and Design at 6th form college. When she was about 7yo, she was identified as having "dyslexic tendencies". She had some TA support in primary school, and a little help at high school. College have given her more support, and again suggested she may have dyslexia.

She's never had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, but we all agree that she has the traits

She has a place to study at university and the college has given her information about the DSA. They have said that she will need a formal dyslexia assessment. In the past they were able to provide this at no charge to us. Government cuts mean the can no longer do this, but can offer it at a reduced price.



Can anyone help:

• is this assessment worth doing?
• what is the likelehood of her getting DSA, and does anyone have any idea how much she might get?

TIA :A

MrsManda

If she needs extra help with her studies due to ill health then DSA is worth applying for. It's not a matter of 'how much she'll get', you can get equipment to help you and money to pay for internet access, photocopying, printing and books but you don't get cash to spend as you want.

For information about what's available through DSA have a look here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

If it is likely she has dyslexia then it's worth getting a report done to get a diagnosis as this will enable her to get the support she needs whilst at university. This not extra cash, but support such as extra time in exams.

Penelope_Penguin

MrsManda wrote: »

If she needs extra help with her studies due to ill health then DSA is worth applying for. It's not a matter of 'how much she'll get', you can get equipment to help you and money to pay for internet access, photocopying, printing and books but you don't get cash to spend as you want.

Thanks for that - so it's not like DLA then. You identify what support needs you have and then submit a request for that to be purchased?

dmg24

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

Thanks for that - so it's not like DLA then. You identify what support needs you have and then submit a request for that to be purchased?

No, an assessor identifies the needs and submits a report. A provider is then allocated and they contact you to arrange the supply of the products.

toottifrootti

Definately worth getting the assessment because she could qualify for a support worker, extra time for assignments and exams - would lessen the stress xx

pigpen

YES it is definitely worth the assessment.. it is taken into consideration for formal assessments, exams and support and loads of other little things..

It isn't anything like DLA.. at all..

Molly41

Yes definitely. My DD has just had hers and as an 18 year old been fully and properly diagnosed as having dyslexia by an educational psychologist. We didnt have to pay for it as her college of FE did it. We have just filled in the student finance forms and the additional form for allowance and sent it off with copy of ed psych form.

My DD went from tendencies to full blown dyslexia on proper assessment. Shocking but now we know what she is up against and she will need all the help she can get in the future.

bestpud

It's definitely worth it imo.

I wasn't diagnosed until near the end of my uni course and I so wish I'd known earlier!

I coped relatively well at college, but have always struggled with reading and organising my thoughts on paper.

University requires more skills than college and she is likely to need more help than she has so far. Then there is the added stress of being away from home etc. No point struggling needlessly.

The assessment itself was priceless for me, as it answered many niggling questions iyswim? So, even if she is not diagnosed with dyslexia, the report will offer her insight into her strengths and weaknesses and offer ideas for her to help herself.

Penelope_Penguin

Thank you for all your comments :T We've all discussed it and agreed that DD will have the assessment. We're awaiting a date now; should be in June