Access2LearnDSA Assessment Services
Nationwide DSA Needs Assessments for higher education students, helping identify the support, technology and study assistance to succeed at university.
Access the Support You Need to Succeed at University
Starting or continuing higher education can be challenging, especially if you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, sensory impairment or specific learning difference.
Access2Learn delivers high-quality Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Needs Assessments for students in higher education across the UK, helping to identify the support, technology and study assistance that can enable you to succeed throughout your studies.
DSA Assessments with Access2Learn
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) supports disabled students in higher education through funding support to help them succeed in their studies. Students applying for DSAs are invited to attend an appointment (called a Needs Assessment) with an assessor to discuss what support is required.
Since 2016, Access2Learn have been delivering high-quality needs assessments for students in receipt of DSA and are a nationwide provider of DSA Needs Assessments, working with Funding Bodies to provide tailored recommendations and support to students all across the UK.
DSA can help fund a range of support, including:
- Specialist Assistive Technology
- One-to-one study skills support
- Specialist mentoring
- Specialist equipment and software
- Training on assistive technology
- Other disability-related study support
DSA is not based on household income and does not need to be repaid.
Who Is This Service For?
You may be eligible for DSA if you are a higher education student with:
- Dyslexia, dyspraxia or other specific learning differences
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Mental health conditions
- Long-term health conditions
- Sensory impairments
- Physical disabilities
- Multiple or complex support needs
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, our team can help explain the process.
What is a DSA Needs Assessment?
A DSA Needs Assessment is a friendly, informal discussion with a trained assessor designed to understand how your condition or disability affects your studies.
The assessment focuses on you as an individual and explores:
- How you study and learn
- Challenges you experience in education
- The impact of your disability, health condition or learning difference
- Current support arrangements
- Technology and resources that may help
- Recommendations for study support and adjustments
The Needs Assessment is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers.
Why Access a DSA Needs Assessment?
A DSA Needs Assessment can help you:
- Access the support you are entitled to
- Reduce barriers to learning
- Improve confidence and independence
- Develop effective study strategies
- Access specialist software and equipment
- Receive one-to-one specialist support
- Improve organisation, time management and academic skills
- Maximise your potential throughout your university journey
Our assessors take a strengths-based approach and work with you to identify solutions that support your individual needs.
What Will You Receive?
Following your assessment, we will produce a comprehensive report that outlines:
- Your individual support needs
- Recommended study support
- Assistive technology recommendations
- Equipment recommendations
- Training and support requirements
- Strategies to support academic success
The report is submitted to your funding body for consideration as part of the DSA process.
How do I apply for DSA?
We recommend that you apply for DSA support as soon as possible, to ensure that your support is put into place as soon as possible. You are able to apply before you have received confirmation of a final place of study, and if your circumstances change after your needs assessment, we can ensure the relevant people are updated. We have included a list of Funding Bodies below:
Student Finance England
Web: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/how-to-claim
Phone: 0300 100 0607
Email: dsa_team@slc.co.uk
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
Phone: 0300 555 0505
Student Finance Jersey
Web: https://www.gov.je
Phone: 01534 449450
Email: studentfinance@gov.je
Student Finance Wales
Web: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Phone: 0300 200 4050
Email: SFW_DSA_Team@slc.co.uk
NHS and NHS Social Work Bursaries
Web: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-bursary-students/contact-us
Phone: 0300 330 1345
Student Finance Guernsey
Web: https://www.gov.gg
Phone: 01481 226560
Email: studentfinance@gov.gg
When can I book my assessment?
Once you have applied for DSA with your Funding Body, they will write to you and confirm if you are eligible and how to book.
Student Finance England
Student Finance England will confirm your entitlement and also let you know who will be carrying out your DSA Assessment. This will either be Study Tech or Capita due to recent reforms in the DSA sector.
Student Finance Wales
Student Finance Wales will confirm your entitlement and also let you know who will be carrying out your DSA Assessment. This will either be Study Tech or Capita due to recent reforms in the DSA sector.
NHS
NHS will confirm your entitlement and include a link to find your nearest DSA Assessment Centre. Alternatively, you can use our booking form and book directly with Access2Learn.
SAAS
If you are a Scottish student studying at an English University, SAAS will confirm your entitlement and send your contact details to their chosen DSA provider, who should reach out to get you booked in.
Student Finance Jersey
Student Finance Jersey will issue you with a letter confirming eligibility and asking you to book an appointment. If you would like to book with Access2Learn you can use our online booking form.
Student Finance Guernsey
Student Finance Guernsey will issue you with a letter confirming eligibility and asking you to book an appointment. If you would like to book with Access2Learn you can use our online booking form.
If you are ready to book your DSA Needs Assessment, please visit our booking page and complete our online form.