General Information
The Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) are available to full-time, part-time and postgraduate students.
If you are studying
full-time you must be taking a designated course of study such as degree, Higher National Diploma/Certificate, Diploma of Higher Education.
Application forms are available from your LEA.
If you are studying part-time you must demonstrate that it will take you no longer than twice the time to complete the course. The course must be equivalent to at least 50% of a full-time course and the institution must confirm this in writing. Application forms are available from your LEA or your University.
If you are studying a postgraduate course such as a masters degree, doctorate, postgraduate diploma/certificate, for which the entry requirement is at least a first degree and, providing the course lasts for at least one year, you will be eligible to apply. Application forms are available from your LEA or your University.
Purpose:
The DSAs are available to help cover any additional costs, which arise as a direct result of your disability, that you may have to pay to attend your course. These allowances can help with the cost of a non-medical personal helper, major items of specialist equipment, general expenditure, travel and other costs.
What funding is available?
| Academic Year 2003/2004 | Full Time | Part Time |
| Specialist equipment for the whole course | �4460 | �4460 |
| Non-medical personal helper - per year | �11280 | �8465 |
| General expenditure - per year | �1490 | �1115 |
| Travel | contact your LEA for further details | contact your LEA for further details |
| Postgraduate courses | �5370 per year to cover all expenditure areas | �5370 per year to cover all expenditure areas |
How can I apply for this additional funding?
You need to apply to your Local Education Authority:
Contact: Student Support. Telephone Number 0191 383 4168.
E-mail: Student Support clearly showing DSA in the description field.
What information do I need to supply?
If you are physically disabled or have mental health difficulties, you need to provide medical proof of your disability, such as a letter from your GP or consultant.
If you are dyslexic you need to provide a psychological assessment report confirming your dyslexia.
Any costs incurred in obtaining this evidence will be your responsibility.
What happens next?
- If you have submitted the relevant evidence, you will be asked to undergo an assessment of needs which may be carried out by an Access Centre. The nearest to Durham is based at the University of Sunderland (Telephone Number 0191 5152249). If you apply late and you are unable to attend this Centre the disability officer of your University may be able to arrange an assessment at an alternative Centre.
- You will receive a report from the Centre which will detail any equipment and services you require to help you with your studies. A copy of the report will be sent to the Student Support Manager, who will then write to you to let you know how much funding can be offered to you.
- It is our practise to make payments direct to the supplier(s) in relation to services and equipment. If you are happy with this arrangement you must confirm this in writing. When we receive your letter we will issue you with purchase orders to send to the supplier(s).
- It will be your responsibility to arrange for the delivery of the agreed equipment and services.
