We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are treated fairly and equally. To ensure you receive all of the support you are entitled to, you will need to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance as part of your Student Finance application.
Disabled Students' Allowance
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.
This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.
The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.
You do not need to pay back DSA.
What DSA can pay for
You can get help with the costs of:
- Specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
- Non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
- Extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
- Other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading
DSA does not cover disability-related costs you’d have if you were not attending a course, or costs that any student might have.
Your ‘needs assessment’
You may be asked to attend an assessment centre to work out what help you need. This is known as a ‘needs assessment’.
You’ll get a letter telling you how to book your needs assessment. You do not need to pay for it.
You’ll need to give a copy of the eligibility evidence you used in your initial application to your needs assessor before your assessment.
After the assessment, you’ll get a report listing equipment and other support you can get for your course.
For more information please click here.
However, if you are applying for the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and have ALS needs you will be supported by the College. Please follow this link for further information on the College ALS department.