Disabled Students Allowance
Students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
Disabled students may be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). These allowances provide extra financial help if you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia. They are paid on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid.
DSA are grants to help meet the costs of studying that students face as a direct result of a disability or specific learning difficulty. They are designed to help disabled students study on an equal basis with other students. Students apply who have a:
- Physical difficulty
- Dyslexia
- Autistic spectrum condition
- Visual impairment
- Medical condition
- Dyspraxia
- Mental health issue
- Deaf or hard of hearing
The allowances provide help for full-time, part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate students. The amount you can get does not depend upon your household income.
Disabled Student Allowances cover:
- Specialist equipment you need for studying - e.g. computer software
- A non-medical helper, such as a note-taker or reader, additional study skills tutorials
- Extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability
You can get more information about Disable Students' Allowance by visiting http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/index.htm
You can apply by completing a DSA1 form. This is available to download from the Student Finance website (see above) or will be sent to you if you tick the relevant box on your main funding application form. For more information or an informal chat, contact the Additional Support Team, Westbrook Building or call Shirley Turnbull on 01274 436167 or email to s.turnbull@bradfordcollege.ac.uk