Information for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) Needs Assessors

DSA or Disabled Student Allowance is a government-funded support grant (not a loan) designed to help disabled students with the extra study-related costs they might incur because of their disability, mental health condition, or specific learning difference (like dyslexia, ADHD, etc.).

The information below is intended primarily to help Needs Assessors when assessing students at the Arden University by providing some information about how we work with disabled students studying here, including the support and adjustments available through the university. We also have some information for Non-Medical Helpers below.

Services Offered:  

• Help to access exam adjustments.
• Support students when applying for funding, such as Hardship Funding or Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA).
• Discuss reasonable adjustments for teaching and learning.
• Arrange a screening and possible referral if students think they may have a Specific Learning Difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or AD(H)D.
• Provide advice and guidance about the potential impact of a student’s disability or mental health difficulty on their studies and how this can be accommodated within a student’s course.
• Signpost students to support services, including psychological support.
• Provide information and advice if students are considering an interruption of study for health or wellbeing reasons.
• Support students returning to study following an interruption due to health or wellbeing reasons.