funding for Dyslexia assessment ?

mummytofour

Hi,
I slipped through the net at school but at college I have extra time in exams, I really have to say I dont understand it all myself, but have had poem kind of in house assessment and just on my poor reading skills and spelling I have been awarded extra time.
I am a mature ( old) student and I have been told i need an educational phicological (I cant even spell it!) assessment before I go to uni so I am able to access the additional support/funding. From what I understand this is going to cost in the area of £300, which I really dont have :-(.
Does anybody know if there is any funding avalible for this kind of thing? I am a carer for my son who has SEN and money is always tight.
I just want to start uni on a level playing field.
Thanks

roxalana

Most students try their Uni/college's access to learning fund because the LEA can't fund it and it is needed in order for you to be funded for DSA. I'd approach your college/uni early because the access fund does tend to run out...

make sure when you get it done that the correct tests are used as the government have provided a list of allowed tests for evidence for DSA.

MrsManda

Do you know what university you're going to?
If you do or at least have accepted a firm offer contact their student support office.
You may be able to get it paid through the Access to Learning Fund.

Apply to your LEA for normal student support then contact your university student support office. They should be able to help you with an application to the ALF to help you pay for your assessment.
The British Dyslexia Association says:
Where can I find an Educational Psychologist and will I have to pay for an assessment? School children can often be referred to their local education authority educational psychologist for assessment and unemployed adults can sometimes be referred via their job centre. Local dyslexia associations normally have a list of suggested independent Educational psychologists. The cost will vary from one area to another. For others who have no financial means, bursaries are often available from Assessment Centres.

Speak to your local BDA group and contact your student support office.
Good luck

Firehorse

I agree with Mrsmanda. I'm a mature, slipped through the net dyslexic student too.

Approach the Student Support department of the uni you're intending attending, they should sort everything out for you. They did for me and it didn't cost me anything, as it was all incoporated. Don't leave it until the last minute, start the ball rolling as soon as possible, ideally you want everything in place on your first day.

All the best

autismmum

open uni will re imburse dyslexia test cost if you do a course with them