Extra support in 2010/11 for students with a disability or specific learning difficulty
Support from Student Finance England
If you will incur extra course costs because you have a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty (like dyslexia) you can apply for help towards these costs from a Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA). This support does not depend on your household income.
What can it cover?
This allowance can help to pay for extra course costs such as:
- specialist equipment that you need for studying (e.g. computer software)
- non-medical helpers (e.g. note-takers, readers and dyslexia study skills tutors)
- extra course-related travel costs that you have to pay because of your disability
- other costs (e.g. Braille paper or coloured overlays)
Please note that the allowance can only pay towards course-related costs that you will incur as a direct result of your disability or specific learning difficulty (rather than costs that all students have to pay or costs that you would have to pay regardless of whether or not you were a student).
How do I apply?
You will need to complete a 'Disabled Student's Allowances Application Form' (DSA1) and provide supporting documentation. When your eligibility for the allowance has been established, you are likely to be asked to attend an 'Assessment of Needs' appointment. At this appointment, you can discuss with an assessor the additional support you need to complete your course successfully.
To be eligible to apply for a Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA), both you and your course must meet certain conditions. Check these before you apply at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
For more information read this information booklet Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) information booklet and visit Disabled Student Allowances
Support from the University of Reading
Contact the Disability Advisory Service in the Carrington Building by telephoning 0118 378 8921 or emailing disability@reading.ac.uk
For more information visit Students with disabilities coming to the university of reading and www.reading.ac.uk/disability