ALL THE PRACTICAL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BEING A DISABLED STUDENT
(This post was originally written during my time as a disabled student but published after graduating due to poor health)
As a disabled student, I know just how overwhelming juggling your health alongside managing your studies, home life & university life can be. I hope this post helps you to understand accessing support and managing finances at university. As always this is an infinite topic so feel free to pop me a message with any questions.
Finances:
There are multiple financial support streams available to Disabled People applying for higher education, including some disability benefits, grants and scholarships. The process can be pretty overwhelming so hopefully, this post begins to simplify it a little.
If you're not one for lots of words- not to worry as I have a step by step guide coming out shortly:)
Now I'm going to start with a little about Disabled Students Allowance… BUT before you click off this post. If you’re anything like me you’ll have read lots of information on DSA or maybe even got your support in place early, which is great, but being a disabled student isn't all about being handed a laptop with some great software on and then never being shown how to use it. (Definitely make sure you get equipment training by the way)
Life as a disabled student has lots of layers so I hopefully this post covers 'all the practical things'.
Disabled Student's Allowance:
Just so we're all on the same page- DSA’s are available to full-time and part-time students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It’s important to remember that DSA isn’t actual money, rather the government provides resources as a reasonable adjustment for you to be supported in your studies whether that’s through equipment, support with a mentor or technology.
Note: If you're planning to take an eligible healthcare or social work course, you should apply for your DSA through the NHS scheme as it's different!
The application process for DSA can take around 14 weeks. My best piece of advice would be to start applying for DSA whilst you are still looking at universities, whether that is when you are in sixth form or college, writing a personal statement, awaiting results, or planning to go back into education, making sure you have everything you need ready for the start of your course will help set you up for success, trying to access support and fill out additional paperwork while studying can quickly become overwhelming!
the process:
Apply via your student finance login directly or Apply here: (DSA 1)
Needs Assessment
DSA 2 Letter - explaining your needs
Book equipment and any training
After you’ve applied for DSA, you’ll be told what evidence you need to submit to Student Finance England to support your application. Often, you’ll need medical evidence from a doctor or specialist confirming your health conditions and they may be asked to fill in a form on how they affect you.
If you’re only applying for DSA and no other type of student finance for example tuition fees, you need to complete a paper application form (DSA1).
Link to form: DSA 1 FORM
International students:
Unfortunately DSA is currently not available to international students.
Getting support with paperwork:
You can access support with your forms through your sixth form, college or university or through an independent advocacy service such as Powher.
For more information visit: Gov uk DSA
DSA Study Needs Assessment:
If you’re eligible for DSA, Student Finance England (SFE) will likely ask you to arrange a 'Study Needs Assessment' to find out what additional support you need for your course. This will take place with a Needs Assessor local to you to discuss what equipment and support will help you get the most from your course. Often they may discuss things such as how you may get to and from your lectures, access your library or self-study facilities and where you will study at home- it could be good to have some answers to these questions prepared before- hand, including any difficulties you might experience accessing education.
On the day of your assessment, you can take a friend or family member with you- don’t worry too much as the assessment is very informal and is there to help you succeed.
Things to think about before your needs assessment:
1) What do you want your needs assessor to know?
2) What do you struggle with on a daily basis?
3) How does your health condition or disability affect your ability to study on an even playing field with your peers?
4) How do you see yourself accessing ALL university facilities, including the library, study rooms, printing services & travel to and from campus?
5) Is your condition likely to progress? Perhaps it could be worth asking how to report a change of circumstances for the future?
Support Available:
Non-medical helper allowance:
This is to help pay for support workers (such as readers, sign language interpreters, or note-takers) and other non-medical assistance you need to benefit fully from your course.
Equipment, Devices & Software:
You may be able to get a new computer if you don’t already have one, or if your current one doesn’t meet the required specification whereby it will run the software given to you and last the duration of your course. (Something to bare in mind is, you will need to make a contribution of £200 towards the cost of any computer and that my laptop given to me struggled to run the software as they took up a lot of the laptops memory- I know others experienced similar.
(I will do another post on specific software another time.)
Travel Allowance:
This helps with any extra travel costs you may have to attend your university, college, or placement because of your disability. The amount you get will depend on your disability and the distance. For example, I cannot get public transport due to my disability, therefore, have disability taxis funded to university every day. (I pay the contribution of the local bus fare.)
Support at University:
Taxis To & From Campus- Contribute the cost of the bus fair
Two Week Extensions- Often universities can be flexible on this
Mentor- to support with task - specific
Note Taker- to take notes in lectures and seminars
Paper & Ink Allowance- to print at home if Libraries aren’t accessible
Printer- to print at home if Libraries aren’t accessible
Recording Device- to record and listen back to lectures and seminars
Headset- to record yourself speaking or for dictation
Software Such As Dragon & Read And Write or mind map software
Ergonomic Equipment- Mouse, Desk, Chair etc
Library Assistance
Lightweight Laptop
Exam Rooms With A 1-2-1 Invigilator Plus Breaks
Supportive cushions or seating
Exam Support:
1) Scribes- to write or type for you in an exam
2) Separate Rooms- smaller rooms with less people in
3) A Room Alone- isolated rooms alone
4) Smaller Room- with others
5) Regular rest breaks- opportunities to go outside with the support of an invigilator
6) Laptop Submission- As Opposed To Handwritten
and lots more.
Once your support has been confirmed you will receive a letter of entitlement called a DSA 2 letter.
Reporting a change of circumstance:
Everybody experiences ups and downs in life, whether you need to change course as you’ve simply decided it’s not for you or you’ve moved to a different accommodation as your conditions progressed and you may need a re-assessment of your needs. You can let Student Finance England know by either your online portal or…
Full time students can access Change of circumstances form when logging into student finance
Financial Support:
tuition loan
Your tuition loan is the money you can borrow for tuition fees - you will pay this back after finishing your degree once you earn over a certain amount.
maintenance loan
A maintenance loan is to help with living costs such as rent and bills while at University. Often students have to work a part time job or ask their families for help in addition to this. Some people are able to access benefits in addition to this. For example if you are unable to work due to your disability or if you are a care leaver. The amount you get is all based on a multitude of factors including your parents or partners income.
Other Loans:
If you’re a full-time student when applying for other student finance, such you’re Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Loan, you’ll be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)- simply tick the disabled student box from your online account after you’ve submitted your main student finance application.
Uni:
Every university has different support funds. Some universities offer financial hard-ship funds so it is always worth speaking to your disability support services about these.
Benefits:
Some people are eligible to get certain disability related benefits whilst studying. for example, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Limited Capability for work and work - related activity (LCWRA) as well as their student loan, there are also options available to care leavers and prison leavers entering higher education so it’s definitely worth getting in touch with your local job centre, disability charity or contacting citizens advice for support.
But this is not the case for everyone. So, it is important to be honest about your abilities to work a part time job etc.
Make an appointment with your local job centre or to find out more info on benefits & studying click here Disability Rights UK.
I could do a whole post on this topic so for now just know there are lots of pots of money out there to help disabled people- accessing them can be a little complicated but definitely worth it.
Google your specific condition to see if any charities have grants for people living with your condition.
Most grants need a third - party to apply on the disabled persons behalf.
Some grants will want to pay to spend money specifically on items whether that’s a mobility aid or a piece of equipment whereas others will ask for an invoice or bank account.
Each Grant will have set criteria of who they currently support and will often need a supporting letter and medical evidence
I will share more on this shortly for now I'd highly recommend checking out the following link:
Stay tuned for a post on renting :)
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