Disabled students allowance (DSA)

[MrsShiney]

Dont know whether this should go here but i've post in education without any answers. My DD is (hopefully if she gets the grades) starting uni this year and has life threatening allergies, severe asthma and a few other health problems for which shes spends alot of time in hospital and off school ill and has been advised by sixth form to apply for DSA and I would be grateful if any of you could provide your experiences of applying.

Hi, i studied with the OU and i couldve aplied for this as i have epilepsy. However after a lot of deliberating i decided not to. Basically DSA will pay for additional costs that your DD will incur because of her health issues i.e. if she cant drive she can keep bus tickets and they will reimburse, if she needs special equipment they will provide grant for it etc etc if she needs to hire a scribe or someone to sit with her during tests grant can pay for this etc. From what i understood from it you dont actually get a hpysical amount of money in your hand (although may be different with the OU but not sure) you get reimbursed for things you buy or the Uni buys the equipment you need. Def worth applying though nothing ventured nothing gained :)

Thank you Chundle

hi, I'm currently in my second year at uni and receive DSA as I have congenital muscular dystrophy. Applying is fairly easy, she will need a supporting letter from consultant stating how her condition(s) will impact on her studies. She'll then be invited to an assessment with a qualified assessor; it's basically an informal chat were they recommend equipment/support which may be helpful. Their report is sent to a funding body for approval, and, once approved, you can order the equipment, set up the support etc. I'd recommend applying asap to make sure it's all in place before she starts in October. If you have any more questions just let me know :)