DSA Query

ultimatedingbat

My university have suggested I apply for DSA as I recently filled out a form to alert them to the fact that I have arthritus in both wrists, knees, hips and ankles.

I personally would not class myself as disabled as I am perfectly able to walk and work the majority of the time without pain. Sometimes I do have pain, I take a pain killer and move on. I am on medication to help with this other than pain killers.

University have suggested I apply. The only reason I filled out the paperwork for the arthritus this year (never bothered during my undergraduate) as recently it has been causing me more pain than usual, but I cope ok but I figured just incase I have a bad turn its better for them to know.

Whats the advice people would give?

bestpud

Is there anything they may be able to provide that could help?

Maybe a wrist guard to help when you type, or a better chair?

Or even voice recognition software so you could speak rather than type your coursework?

They could also help you fund transport costs if public transport is difficult.

All sorts really, but if it's not bothering you then there's probably no need. Perhaps it's worth going along to disability services at your uni for a chat? Maybe they could show you the type of support they could offer?

You'd need some medical evidence but I guess you have that?

Benergy

You stand to lose nothing if you apply for DSA. If you are worried about employers or the uni treating your differently because you have a disabled sticker attached to you then you shouldn't worry. It is illegal to discriminate against you in any way because you are registered as disabled and the DSA exits to offer you a safety net if you need it.

I found out that I was dyslexic whilst at college and although this is nothing like the painful arthritis that you have, i had the same worry over applying for DSA. I didn't care much about what the uni or my potential employers would think to be honest, but I though that my friends attitudes would change towards me as they might think that I was in some way stupid or less able than them. As it turns out I really needed the extra support that the DSA gives as it helped with things like money for books and extra time for exams.

I suggest that you give it a shot and talk things through with student services if you are unsure about anything. When it comes to Exam time and you are typing for days on end to finish your dissertation then you might find that you need those extra deadline extensions!

ultimatedingbat

The university know themselves already and have suggested DSA. I didn't see a need to apply for that, as the university themselves know and have granted that if I were to apply to an extension then I would be granted it on those grounds that it is a medical condition I can't do anything about.

Beleive it or not due to this being none specific arthritus, there is very little medical proof that I have, as after almost 3 years doctors are still trying to pinpoint the specific arthritus I have to help me target it better. The medication is specifically for rhematoid arthritus but obviously I may be taking the wrong medication if this isnt the type. It all helps a little though. Im hoping for a more concrete answer from the specialist