What is the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)

Inspiration 9 and Inspiration Maps are approved Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) products, regularly recommended by DSA Needs Assessors for use by students studying a degree. But what is this allowance and how do you apply for it?

The Disabled Students’ Allowance is a non-means tested government grant provided to students with a disability, long term illness or mental health problem, studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. For example thousands of students each year with mental health issues, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, aspergers, hearing impairment, visual impairment and physical disabilities are in receipt of this funding. It is designed to cover some of the extra costs that these students will incur during their time in higher education.

Students can get this allowance on top of their other student finance and it will not need to be repaid.

What can the Disabled Student Allowance pay for

• Specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
• Assistive technology software and hardware
• Non-medical helpers
• Extra travel because of your disability
• Other disability-related costs of studying

Therefore as an approved DSA product, Inspiration 9 and Inspiration Maps can be provided as part of a student’s DSA support package.

Applicants may get a new computer if they do not already have one, or their current one does not meet their study needs. Though they may need to pay the first £200 (based on the regional funding body), which is the minimum cost that any student is likely to incur when buying a computer.

Once their eligibility for the Disabled Student Allowance is confirmed, an applicant is most likely to be asked to go through a needs assessment process.

For specific information on funding policy by region and how to apply, please refer to the following websites:

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland  

BATA Disabled Student Allowance resources for students entering university

Our friends at BATA (British Assistive Technology Association) have put together a set of resources for neurodiverse and disabled students applying for university, to help them apply for DSA, find an assessment centre, get remote assessment and ensure that their DSA equipment is in place, ready for when they start their degree.

Visit their DSA resource page.