Exam access arrangements when at uni - but no disability

[Swiftlyintothenight]

DS has always had 25% extra time in exams - in GCSEs and in the A-levels this summer. He qualifies because the school runs the appropriate tests (JCQ?). However, he does not have a disability - he's just a bit slow in processing info. Will his exam access arrangements roll-over to university? I fear not because there was nowhere to declare them in UCAS form - other than if you ticked the disability box (which he couldn't as doesn't have one!).

I wonder if there’s some confusion over the expression “means tested”? It means based on income (financial ‘means’), not based on diagnosis.

@pancakestastelikecrepe You are spreading mis-information.

A student, or a student's parents financial circumstances have NO influence at all on whether a student is eligible for DSA or not .

oh, x-posted with @HeddaGarbled

DSA is not means tested because it isn’t based on financial circumstances.

@UsingChangeofName I think you are mistaking 'Means tested' in relation to maintenance loan. 'Means', in this instance relates to ability

OP, from what you say he does indeed have a disability, one that results in slow processing. It could be a form of dyslexia or ADHD , or something else. His processing affects his ability to turn out work at the usual speed and so he needs support.
He needs to explain it to the university, and they will tell him the next steps and what they need to see in terms of letters/diagnosis/test results.

@pancakestastelikecrepe Means tested is a commonly used and recognised expression for any benefit or grant given based on financial circumstances. You’re confusing the issue by using the expression to describe something different. Google it.

No you’re wrong. Means tested relates to finance. You’re using the wrong terminology which is misleading

@HeddaGarbled see my response to @UsingChangeofName - DSA means test is related to ability. I can see why confusion has occurred due to financial assessment of MLs

DSA is related to diagnosis

If you google 'means test' , or use a dictionary, you will see it relates to finance only. I am not the one who is mistaken.

I wish school / HE provision was more joined up.

Me too @Alwaysworryingoversomething

Incorrect

There is a difference in what the general population class as disabled and what the DSA class as disabled. The OP has stated her Ds has slow processing speed. Assuming it is below a certain centipede then he will qualify.

and DSA is not means tested.

OP. - there is no such thing as a JCQ test. The JCQ details what evidence there needs to be / what tests they accept but they don’t produce tests. The difference is that the centre assessor administers the test, rafter than an Ed psych.

OP, from what you say he does indeed have a disability, one that results in slow processing. It could be a form of dyslexia or ADHD , or something else. His processing affects his ability to turn out work at the usual speed and so he needs support.
As his elder sibling has autism, we have been alert to this for years. No ADHD or dyslexia - we had that checked. Just slow processing. No formal disability at all. So I fear he will lose his extra time when he goes to uni next year.

Slow processing is potentially a disability as long as it’s slow enough and satisfies the other criteria

For the love of god, a DSA assessment IS NOT A MEANS TEST. It is an assessment of need THAT IS NOT DEPENDENT ON FINANCIAL MEANS which is WHAT A MEANS TEST IS.

And breathe …..

Semantics aside, OP, go with researching their APPs and speaking to Admissions as all HEPs have to uphold what they publish - good luck

😂 Hedda

Pancakes is refusing to acknowledge they are using the incorrect terminology.

Pancakes was trying to advise OP that it's a waste of time applying for DSA and actually signposted her in correct direction

@UsingChangeofName Glad your DD got the support once she had a diagnosis. DS won't get a diagnosis though - disability ruled out (we got onto it when his elder brother was diagnosed with autism 15 years ago). He hasn't got ADHD, dyslexia etc - just slow at processing and left-handed so slow at writing

OP, he needs to get tested then by an Ed psych. Including a DASH test. Depending on the centile he is on he may be eligible

And if the Dash test result is low he should apply for DSA as he may get a laptop or even voice to text software provided.

@Comefromaway thanks for this. Will google what a dash test is tomorrow and look into it.

Thanks for responding to my late night post people, got to conk now but look forward to checking in tomorrow. Hugely appreciate.

@HeddaGarbled that's a very Ibsenesque response - I can see why your name works...😉

You need to check the outcome of the tests. If they were carried out by a suitably qualified person then it may be enough.