Claiming DSA for type 1 diabetic

[Flyingarcher]

Ok. So DS has his needs assessment on Monday which, I have noticed costs £600 ( really - someone somewhere is making easy money). I've noticed on the letter it says that the cost of assessment is deducted from any DSA. Well all he needs is a little diddy fridge for his room, some money so he can get back home for reasonably frequent medical apts and to pick up medical supplies. None of that is going to total £600. I really don't want to be liable for paying for this.

Has anyone any experience and what else can he ask for?

[Woodenhillmum]

DSA covers educational needs .Most get software for a computer and a laptop ( but you have to pay a sizeable contribution towards it ) possibly a printer and very very rarely money for taxis .University accommodation departments usually deal with fridges for insulin and a few will allow an en-suite at the standard room rate.Information from experience and FB group I have gleaned over last few years.

[Woodenhillmum]

You won't get charged for the assessment - it is paid direct to the assessor

[titchy]

Agree DSA is provided where the disability impacts the learning and provides equipment and support to mitigate that.

It's not a catch all for everyone with a chronic condition.

As an aside he'd be registered with the university GP services so wouldn't need to come home for appointments at all.

Mini fridges are £20 if the accommodation office can't supply one - you'll need to tell them though as they'll probably need it PAT tested.

[Woodenhillmum]

Most teens are under hospital clinics for care although having a sympathetic university gp or nurse keeping an eye on your student can be very helpful .Often students keep their hospital care at home as pump access etc varies.Proper little fridges with thermostats are usually provided . I would be very wary of using a mini fridge for anything other than keeping beer cold.

[Leeds2]

If DS keeps with. his existing hospital team, and assuming he comes home for holidays, he could still have appointments at Christmas, Easter and the beginning and end of the summer holidays. I can't think he would ned more than that. If he changes his GP to his university GP, they will be able to prescribe any additional medication during term time. So I don't think he would need any extra trips home, if he plans his appointments carefully.
My friend's DD got a fridge supplied by the Accommodation Office. She just rang up and ask, and they sent her the paperwork.

[Flyingarcher]

Thanks all. This is what I was thinking and I half wondered what he would use the award for. I phoned them up and it may well be that he doesn't get anything (which is fine) but they have accepted him for assessment and on other forums it appears that diabetics get some awards. I think the fridge is provided by the uni ( just got that paperwork). Assessor place did confirm that there would be no charge for the assessment.

[Itsnearly2020]

There’s a really helpful Facebook group for parents of T1D students that’s worth you joining. You’re right that the uni will provide the fridge for the first year in halls and a cheap £20 one won’t be suitable for his medication.
Most seem to stay with home GP, especially if on pump/CGM as moving changes your ccg who fund it and creates another fight. I understand they can register as a temporary patient at uni if needing to see a GP and of course T1 appointments are at the hospital not with GP so can be arranged during holiday time.

[LIZS]

Many unis do not allow fridges etc in room so it may mean your dc gets a specific room or adapted accommodation to enable this. The finances are handled between SF, assessor and uni. He may also be allowed arrangements such as deadline extensions or exam rest breaks in case of health issues.

[Flyingarcher]

Well, assessor guy was really nice and no money for travel (fine) but yes to software and hardware to support learning because of concentration deficits at times. Very happy and totally worth doing.