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Disability Student allowance

JT0906

Hi everyone Jess here i've got my study needs assessment in a few weeks and wanted to know what it is like and what i could be possibly entitled to? I have Autism, Dyspraxia, Anxiety, Depression and Dyscalculia but my course is not maths based.

Many thanks
Jess

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Alex_Alumni

Hi there @JT0906 and thanks for reaching out, how are you feeling about your studies?

From what I remember when I went to university (as someone with CP), they asked about type of support I'd been receiving in school, and went through a typical 'student day' and what support I might need to get to/from lectures, as well as in lectures, and to access things like the library or other student services.

I think I'll tag @L_Volunteer as I'm sure she has some useful information to share on this topic when she's next in

If there's anything else we can help with in the meantime, please ask!

L_Volunteer

Hey @JT0906. Thank you for reaching out to us. I know the uncertainty can be really difficult to deal with and it takes courage to reach out when you are experiencing this, especially as you are fairly new to the community.

As @Alex_Scope said, the support available will be largely dependent on what you find difficult. From experience, it is largely matching barriers/what you find difficult with human or IT support which would help to reduce the barrier/difficulty.

My assessment was face-to-face but I believe some assessments might currently be held remotely or over the telephone. The assessors are lovely, and much more lovely compared to the process before receiving an assessment.

Some support options which might be able based on the diagnoses you have provided (but it is affected more by how the diagnoses affect you and I cannot guarantee these options!) are:

A mentor (for your mental health and neurodivergence)
A study skills support advisor
Assistive technology - such as mind-mapping, read aloud and dictation
Recording software to record your lectures (and potentially a portable charger so you have enough charge to listen to music - if this helps you with sensory input - and record your lectures)

I did not receive taxis but I am aware for, some students, they also get taxis funded by the Disability Student Allowance scheme. Some students also get support with navigating and moving around campus (though some mentors also support you with this - particularly during the transitional period!). Additionally, some students also receive ergonomic support (such as a chair designed to their needs - but this is more common for physical and chronic health needs).

I hope this helps to provide you with some examples of things which might be funded. Though, please note, you might not be eligible for all of these. Similarly, you might be eligible for things I have not mentioned. These are just some common examples of support options which are provided.

Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any further questions or anything else we can do to support you with this. Wishing you all the best of luck with your needs assessment. Please feel free to let us know how this goes for you

CookieM95

Hi @JT0906

Seeing the date I think your assessment will have passed by now! So I hope it went okay. Any update?

From my own experience, I would say that if there are things you are not happy with or disagree with them, make sure you say something. I don't know what University you are attending, but you should also contact the student support services and the disability team who will help you create a Learning Support Plan!

This document is shared amongst your tutors at University and includes all the reasonable adjustments you have to help you. These can include things like

Extra time in exams
Quiet Space to do your exams if you find the room with everyone in too much
Flexible Deadlines
Access to PowerPoint presentations and material in advance
One to One support with a tutor
Mental health advocacy

I will say that from my own experience, you may have to fight some people to follow your LSP, I was a joint honours student and one department was fantastic, the other.. not so much!

Hope that makes sense!

JT0906

Sorry for the late reply. Just want to say a massive thank you to all of you for your helpful comments.

The assessment went really well they actually listened to what i had to say as i have been let down by my college for support.

They basically asked how i would benefit from lecturers, essays, readings and support. Thanks to my DSA i have been funded an ensuite bathroom aswell.

I already receive 25% extra in exams, a promt, a word processor (a laptop) and rest breaks. Not sure if my course has them but we told them this anyway. I also asked to have powerpoints ahead of time.

It states that i am also getting a printer so i can print things out.

This is the software that i was given for my laptop: ClaroRead, Scholarcy, Zotero, Mindview, Talk Type Dictation,

Global AutoCorrect, Grammarly Premium Academic

I also receive 1-1 support study skills and a headset and microphone.

Also recieving mental health support as well as disability.

i'm not receiving a taxi as i am moving into halls.

Thank you so much

All the best

Jess

Hannah_Alumni

@JT0906 That's great news!

I bet it feels like such a relief!

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