Assessment Process

How do I apply for a DSA?

If you have a disability or feel you have additional study needs costs as a result of a disability, an application form must be completed and submitted to the funding body (for example Student Finance England, NHS Student Bursaries) along with acceptable medical evidence. An application form can be downloaded from https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/how-to-claim. For specific learning difficulties that should be a post-16 assessment.

For other disabilities, completion of a disability evidence form by a healthcare professional is acceptable. This can be downloaded from http://media.slc.co.uk/sfe/nysf/sfe_dsa_disability_evidence_form.pdf. Having trouble reading this document, please download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Once your application has been processed and accepted, the funding body will write to you advising you of your eligibility and instructing you to book a DSA needs assessment.

How do I book a DSA Needs Assessment?

Once you have received confirmation from your funding body that you can book your DSA needs assessment, you can book it by contacting ANAC in any of the following ways:

Telephone: 01604 798072

Email: [email protected]

Online: www.accessassessmentcentres.com

Post: Access Assessment Centres, Equilibrium House , Mansion Close , Moulton Park Industrial Estate , Northampton , Northamptonshire , NN3 6RU , United Kingdom

We aim to offer an appointment within 5 working days, but always within 10 working days.

You will need to complete a pre-assessment form before your assessment. This helps your assessor to prepare for your assessment. The form can be found here.

We need a copy of your medical evidence and funding letter (DSA1) before the assessment.

Assessments are normally held between 9 AM and 4 PM Monday-Friday. It may be possible to offer an assessment outside of these times or on a Saturday. Please contact ANAC for further details.

What is a DSA needs assessment?

Whilst referred to as an assessment, a DSA needs assessment is an informal discussion, whereby a professional assessor will discuss with you how your disability affects your ability to study, and identifies any potential disability related barriers to study on your approved course. You should allow up to 2 hours.

Strategies are discussed, which may include a demonstration/trial of assistive software or equipment and a discussion of any potential people-based support (this may include study skills tutor or mentor).

Once recommendations have been agreed, the assessor produces a report outlining your difficulties, with their recommendations and costs, which is then sent to the funding body. The funding body will write to you confirming your entitlement, and instructing you on how to receive your support (equipment, non-medical helper support and any reimbursement).

The assessment fee (£660 + VAT) is taken from your DSA (you do not pay money directly). The fee covers any follow-up support that may be required.

After your Assessment

Once you have received the confirmation letter from the funding body (DSA2), you are able to order your equipment/book your support. Access Assessment Centres will be happy to assist you through the next steps.