Changes to disabled students allowance

Did you know that this year, the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is changing? Are your staff aware of the practical implications of these changes?

From September 2015 some aspects of Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) funding will be changing, including:

• Eligible DSA students assessed as requiring a computer to undertake their studies because of their disability will be expected to contribute the first £200 towards the cost of their computer.
• DSA will no longer pay for higher specification and/or higher cost computers simply because of the way in which a course is delivered. (These will continue to be available where a student needs one solely because of their impairment).
• Peripheral computer equipment such as scanners and printers, consumable items and books will no longer be routinely funded through DSA.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have published draft guidance, consultation on which closed on 14^th Jan 2015.

You can read the guidance on the Student Finance England website here

Also available on the website are templates of DSA letters that your staff might find helpful, including request for disability evidence, authorisation for study needs assessment and consent to share information