Claiming DSA

[DSAditherer]

I've name changed for this as I might be needing to give more information than I'd be comfortable with.

I had written a long post about whether or not my son with Asperger's should claim DSA ("But I'm not disabled Mum!"). He had quite a narrow view of disablity but we had a very interesting conversation about that and he knows different now.

In writing the long post out, I've answered my own original question - he should, if he wants to.

So now I'm asking, does anyone have experience of claiming this, please? We've worked so hard on his self-esteem etc that I don't want the process to make him feel shite if we have to focus at what he can't do.

Why is it called such a horrible name too? Student Accessibility Allowance would be better.

DD3 has Dyspracia and a genetic disability, She applied for and has got DSA for this year. We live in Wales and it was fairly easy, First off she had to fill in a form giving details of her learning. difficulty, She than had to send an. assessment which had been done after she was 16 and she also sent eevidence of her genetic condition. Inbox me for more details

Have PM'd you Mumeeee

I've both claimed and not claimed.

I'd urge him to claim it - though I agree about the name.

The thing is, he might not want or need 99% of the support on offer, but if he suddenly hits a problem, it can take a long time to sort out DSA, and without DSA, he may not be eligible for all sorts of help he needs.

When I started university (which is yonks ago now), I didn't claim for precisely the same reason as him. After my first year exams my very supportive tutor sat me down and explained that I might not think there was a big issue, but over the year they'd noticed a few little things. So I claimed.

I've had students who didn't know they could or should claim, who breezily said 'oh, but I have [condition], that is why I've struggled with [task]'. Now obviously I would like to help them and support them, and many students will assume that if it's only a matter of a tutor being a bit understanding, that shouldn't need a DSA statement. And it shouldn't. But then what happens when another student says, wait a minute, you gave so-and-so extra allowance for the fact he struggled with this task, but I want it too!

If the student is claiming DSA, we know they've been assessed and it's easier for all concerned.

He can always claim it, but explain he doesn't feel he needs much help.

Apply for it.

Support on offer does depend on the uni but at the very least it will assess his needs.

I'm dyslexic and at one uni I had 1 hour session a week with a dyslexia tutor and she would read thorough my essays and say "what do you mean here?" or pick out spelling mistakes.

Some times a uni will offer extra support that is not covered by DSA, so possibly a student with an understanding of AS to 'buddy up' with your ds for freshers week. I'm not saying that will happen, but it might.

At one uni I had the option of using the DSA office, there was a big table a water cooler, tea and coffee making facilities and a number of computers with different software to use. The point of the drinks and table was that anyone with sensory overload could just hang out for a few minutes or a couple of hours in a quiet place. The same uni also had a 'white card' system. If you showed a member of staff your white card they would assist you in any way you asked, the card did not disclose the disability so a request to fetch a book is just that, you do not have to explain that part of the library has a different carpet that someone with AS finds difficult to walk on, or is particularly noisy.

Your ds might not need much in the way of equipment, but DSA gives you the access to some services from the uni.

Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I think I'll advise him to apply - though it's his decision in the end.

I've pm'd you.

Best of luck to him.

He can always change his mind and apply for it later, if he chooses, too.

Definitely apply, and sooner rather than later, as it can take a little while to get all the paperwork sorted.

It is definitely worth applying for DD is dyslexic and gets lots of support . The software, laptop and printer are also good.
I have to say it is very easy to apply for and not means tested.