Starting at University? Higher Education Diagnostic Assessment

What is the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Exam Access Arrangements in H.E

Students with Specific Learning Difficulties, such as Dyslexia, who are already studying, or about to begin full or part time Higher Education Courses, including some Open University and Postgraduate Courses, may be eligible to apply for the DSA to help towards the cost of non-medical support, including Specialist Study Skills Tuition, as well as specialist IT equipment and software. Non-medical support can help remove the barriers to learning that some students may have due to their disability.

It is important to note that in order to qualify for Exam Access Arrangements, you must have a full diagnostic assessment, completed after the age of 16, and generally speaking the assessment should not be more than three years old when you commence your Higher Education course. A non diagnostic assessment (where a JCQ Form 8 was completed) is NOT sufficient evidence.

For more information on the Disabled Students Allowance,how to apply and to download the relevant forms go to the direct.gov website.

Applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

In order to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance, Students in Higher Education will require a Specialist Diagnostic Assessment as evidence of their Specific Learning Difficulty, undertaken after the age of 16. The SpLD guidelines for Assessments in Higher Education for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and Exam Access Arrangements at University, (such as extra time), state that these Assessments must be carried out by a Specialist Teacher who holds a Practising Certificate, or an Educational Psychologist.

As Specialist Teachers and holders of the required Practising Certificate, Jane Dupree and Emma Woodman of Brainwaves Education Ltd are able to conduct these assessments.

If you have already been awarded Non-Medical Support and are looking for a Specialist Study Skills Tutor, either face to face or using Skype Brainwaves Education ltd can also provide this.

Require further advice?

Diagnostic Assessment to support a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) Application and/or Exam Access Arrangements in Higher Education

£480

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About the team

Qualified Specialist Teachers and Tutors, with over 43 combined years of experience in the development of Literacy Skills, Thinking Skills and Study Skills.