Disabled Students Allowance's (DSA's) are grants that help towards the extra studying costs or expenses higher education students face as a result of a disability or specific learning difficulty.
They aim to help disabled students study on an equal basis. Full-time, part-time and postgraduate students all qualify.
DSA's are paid on top of the student finance package.
The DSA consists of three elements:
- an equipment allowance
- a non-medical helpers allowance
- a general allowance
There is also the chance that further travel related expenses can be met. All agreed costs must be for course / education related support.
The equipment allowance is used for assistive technology which may be required for full access to the course and the institution. This includes:
- computer software and hardware
- recording devices
- ergonomic items
Non-medical help relates to any human support, such as:
- note-taking
- the use of sign language interpreters
The general allowance is used to cover the cost of various items. Possible examples include:
- paying for internet
- books (under some circumstances)
- ink cartridges
- paper
- photocopying
- coloured overlays.
You may find the following information helpful: