Friday 06-12-2024 - 10:38

Did you know that 1 in 4 working-age adults in the UK has a disability? Disabilities are broad, and each person's experience is different. As a Students' Union, we believe everyone should have access to education free of any barriers with the support they need. For this year's Disability History Month, which runs from 14 November until 20 December 2024, Maria Dinu - your Group President - has worked with the university to create a blog that runs through the Disabled Students Allowance, which is just one of the ways students with disabilities can get support at UWTSD. This blog explains what it is, how to apply for it, and gives an overview of the process.

Did you know...

77% of disclosed disability students at UWTSD receive a 'good honours' degree (i.e. 1 / 2:1) whereas 72% of no disclosed disability receive a 'good honours' degree (i.e. 1 / 2:1). That's an increase of 5 percentage points for disabled students last year.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

What can it pay for?

• Specialist equipment, for example a computer if a student needs one because of their disability
• Non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
• Extra travel to attend the course or placement because of a disability
• Other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading

DSA does not cover disability-related costs you’d have if you were not attending a course, or costs that any student might have.

Students will be asked to attend an assessment of needs; this will be either in person or at an assessment centre (or online). This assessment will be a discussion between the assessor and the student to determine what the student may need help with. The assessor will produce a report; this is shared with the student, university and Student Finance, who decide if the recommendations within the report will be awarded. Once Student Finance have made their decision, they notify the student via a DSA2 letter/email, confirming what the student will receive.

Getting DSA

Email disability@uwtsd.ac.uk and they can make arrangement for:

• Providing information for potential and current students
• Initial screening
• Assessment
• Access to the DSA
• Reasonable adjustments

Once you've made contact, you’ll be connected to a Disability Advisor. The Disability Advisor works alongside the student to collect evidence of eligibility, and will submit it for them if they are applying for DSA.

Steps of Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

Pre-arrival - Looking at the applicant list and contacting each applicant and encouraging them to fill out a Support Needs Enquiry Form (SNEF).

On applicant visiting days there is an opportunity to speak to the team and fill out a SNEF form. (Support Needs Enquiry Form). This form is the starting point for discussions regarding Reasonable Adjustments during the student's time at UWTSD.

Students can apply for DSA alongside an application for student finance, however many apply during their time at UWTSD and the team of Disability Advisers can advise and help students with their applications. 

During Induction

There is a screening process every student is offered during their first weeks at the University. The screening is accessed via a QR code presented during students first weeks at university. The screening process is a questionnaire made up of multiple choice questions. This will help recognise the need for support and pick up on possible indicators of Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia etc.

Through this, students can be linked to a study skills tutor, have access to an array of study skills provision and Welsh language provision. Screening may also lead to an offer of further assessment for SpLD and subsequent specialist support with their studies. 

Interim Support

Interim support can be arranged, as the process of receiving DSA can be quite long. A student will get confirmation of whether their application for DSA is successful within 6 weeks. It can take up to 14 weeks to get DSA support in place, which is done separately.

The university also run the SoCom group who help develop individual skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What support services are available at UWTSD if I have a disability or long-term health condition?

We provide tailored support for students through reasonable adjustments. This ensures that students are not disadvantaged in accessing their learning or performing in assessments/exams. Reasonable adjustments are outlined in a Statement of Compensatory Measures which is shared with appropriate academic and support staff. Our support can also include access to screening and diagnostic for Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia.

You could access support from Specialist Study Skills Tutors or Specialist Mentors, so discuss your needs when you meet with the teams. Further information can be found at: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/experience-facilities/student-support-wellbeing/disability-support

How can I register as a disabled student, and what documentation do I need to provide?

Please complete a SNEF (Support Needs Enquiry Form). Contact our Disabilty Support team by emailing: disabilty@uwtsd.ac.uk

The team will ask you to provide evidence which confirms the diagnosis, the impact and the duration. In accordance with the Equality Act, a Disability is defined as having a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. ‘Long-term’ means it has lasted or is likely to last 12 months or more. Medical evidence can be provided by a qualified medical practitioners, e.g. GP, Consultant, Specialist Nurse. If you have been diagnosed with a Specific Learning Difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, please send us a copy of your diagnostic report. If you suspect that you may have dyslexia or have had access arrangements at school or college, please speak to the team so that we can explore screening and further testing.

What is the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), and how do I apply for it; what is the timeline?

Disabled Students’ Allowance is external to the university and administered by the Student Loans Company. It is additional help that students can access to support their studies. The support could include a laptop with assistive technology (AT), AT training, support with travel costs and one to one support from specialist tutors or mentors.

An application can be made online or on paper, and a Disability Adviser can support you with this. The process is lengthy and can take up to 13 weeks from application. After the application is approved and a DSA1 letter, (confirming eligibility) is received you’ll need to schedule your DSA Needs Assessment (online or in person). The needs assessor will discuss the support that may help with your studies and they send a Needs Assessment Report to the DSA team. After receiving the report, the DSA team will send you a DSA2 letter which sets out what you have been provided. At that point, a Disability Adviser can support you to contact the DSA suppliers for your laptop, training or one to one support.

Can I get adjustments or accommodations in my classes, exams, and assignments; if so, what is the process?

Through the Statement of Compensatory Measures

How can I make my accommodation and/or campus facilities more accessible to meet my needs?

Please speak to your Disability Adviser or Learning Support Manager, who will liaise with Accommodation or Facilities teams as appropriate.

What types of assistive technology or learning aids are available, and how can I access them?

All students have access to a Microsoft 365 license which has built in assistive technology. Student facing computers have Claro software. Please approach the IT desk at your campus or contact the IT team

How do I approach my lecturers or tutors if I need extra support or flexibility in my studies?

You can request a meeting with your Programme Manager to discuss your needs or speak to a Disability Adviser if you need support with this.

What should I do if I face discrimination, accessibility issues, or lack of understanding on campus?

Speak to a Disability Adviser in the first instance, who will liaise with other staff as appropriate. The SU can assist too.

Are there mental health resources available for students with disabilities or chronic health conditions?

The University has a dedicated Wellbeing Service with self-help tools and courses, as well as access to Wellbeing Advisers and Counsellors.

Where can I find a community or support group of other students with disabilities at UWTSD?

We have a Social Communication (SoCom) Support group. SoCom offers ideas and activities which are aimed at encouraging a greater self-esteem, and the ability to understand and cope with issues related to social and communication difficulties, with potential for a new friend group and support network to develop. Participation in any activity is optional.

Talk to the Students Union about arranging a group