DS is having his by Zoom next week. I've been chatting with him about what sort of support he might need and also to ask what they might recommend. I'm planning on being nearby so he can involve me, if need be. Could he do it on a speakerphone and you be in the same area?
Here's the guidance the assessment centre has sent through:
You can prepare for the assessment by finding out as much as possible about your course, what teaching methods it involves, whether there is any specialist equipment that you will need to use, how you will be assessed on your course, etc.
Speaking to your course tutors and the disability support staff at your institution about your specific needs will also be useful as they may have some helpful suggestions. It would be useful for you to have some information about the support that your institution can provide you.
During the assessment process the DSA Assessor will, with your permission, normally make appropriate contact with your institution to discuss these things. It is also useful to think about how effective your previous study strategies were. Did you have help from family, friends or teachers - people who might not be able to help as much now?
Think about what would help you most whilst studying at university and come along prepared to discuss this with the Needs Assessor. If you have previously used equipment or support that you have found useful, mention this to your Needs Assessor. We cannot guarantee that you will get everything that you might want, as there are strict guidelines determining the type of support we can provide you with. However, having an idea of what would help you is often very useful.
What will happen at the appointment
You should expect your appointment to last for two hours.
During the DSA assessment appointment you will, in partnership with the assessor:
consider your previous education and employment history and what support you have had in the past.
consider all the things you will need to be able to do when taking the course.
think about how your disability(ies), dyslexia or other medical conditions might affect you on the course.
look at the strategies you could use, some of which might involve using technology aids, to allow you to be as independent a learner as possible.
How to assist your assessor:
If possible bring along some examples of your written work (lecture notes, essays).
During the appointment you will be asked for your permission for (assessment centre) to make contact with your University/College. (Assessment centreand your funding body will treat any information about your disability as confidential, but if you choose not to tell your University/College about your disability, it will make it difficult for reasonable adjustments to be made for you.
Towards the conclusion of your assessment, the assessor will review the discussions you have had and summarise the proposed recommendations which will be put into your report.
If you have any questions about the DSA assessment that has just taken place, this is a good opportunity for you to ask them.