York St John University, Lord Mayors Walk, York YO31 7EX
01904 876542
The Higher York Access Centre is the result of a unique collaboration between the 4 higher education providers in York. You can come to us for a Needs Assessment for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), post-assessment training on assistive technology, and lots of help and advice to support you through the whole DSA process.
We are based close to the centre of York - here's how to find us.
| Disabled Students Allowance - FAQs | Starting in HE this year? | Our Higher York partners |
Disabled Students Allowance - Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the DSA process:
What is DSA?
DSA is money that has been put aside to ensure students with disabilities in Higher Education have the same opportunity to succeed in their studies as students without disabilities. In this context 'disability' can cover a range of difficulties and conditions - including:
Attention Deficit Disorder…Dyslexia… Dyspraxia … Epilepsy… Depression & Anxiety… An Autistic Spectrum Disorder… Chronic Fatigue Syndrome… Mobility Difficulties… A Visual or Hearing impairment… A Spinal Injury… Enduring Mental Health Problems… Cerebral Palsy… MS… And a lot more!
How do I apply for DSA?
It can be quite a complicated and lengthy process, so it’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible. Your Disability Adviser will be happy to guide you through the process, or you can contact us, and we'll be happy to advise.
What can it pay for ?
The Disabled Students' Allowance can pay for specialist support and equipment to help you succeed in you studies. This might be equipment like a computer, or some software. It can also be human support like mentoring or dyslexia tuition. What you will be offered will be the result of an assessment of your individual needs.
What is a Needs Assessment?
This will usually take place at an Access Centre and is simply a conversation between you and a specialist assessor to discuss your needs in relation to your course, and come up with some ideas about support and solutions.
What happens after the assessment?
The assessor writes a report which, once you’ve read and agreed it, is sent to your funding body (as well as your university and disability unit if you want it to). The funding body should then approve the assessor's recommendations, and contact you to let you know how to proceed with getting the equipment and support.
Starting in Higher Education this year?
Consider yourself to have a disability?
Good news!
You can get ahead of the crowd by finding out about
Disabled Students' Allowance now!
You don’t need to wait until you start at Uni to apply. If you want to make sure you have all the support you need when you get there, the earlier you apply the better.
As soon as you have an offer of a place at Uni, contact your Local Authority to find out about applying for DSA. If you live in the York, or North Yorkshire, County Council area, all funding matters are dealt with by Student Finance Direct. If your application is approved they will recommend you have a Needs Assessment. We highly recommend you consider having this done over the summer. Waiting times get very long in September and October - so why not get in first?
If you live in or near York, or if you have applied to come to university in York, you can have a Needs Assessment at the Higher York Access Centre. We offer a really friendly and supportive assessment process; advice and guidance about DSA; and ongoing training.
If you’d like to find out more about the DSA process, or the sort of support you might be able to access in Higher Education, you can contact the Disability Advisor at the University you have applied to. If you’d like to book a Needs Assessment appointment in York or get more information on any of the above then please contact us!
Higher York Access Centre York St John University Lord Mayors Walk York YO31 7EX 01904 876542