What is Disabled Students Allowance (DSAs) and how can I apply?
Students with vision impairment may be eligible for financial help through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). DSA helps with the extra course costs that students may face due to their vision impairment and/or other disabilities. DSA enables students to study access their course materials on an equal basis to other students. DSA is paid in addition to the standard student finance package and is a non-repayable grant.
Students can apply for DSA before starting or at any point during a course. An application form and assessment are completed to identify the necessary equipment and support.
Students can apply for DSA if they have a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental-health condition or a specific learning difficulty which has a long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Applicants must also be applying for or studying:
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an eligible full or part-time undergraduate course such as a degree or HND-level course, including distance-learning courses, or
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an eligible postgraduate course that requires a degree or equivalent qualification, including distance learning courses.
Previous study won't affect DSA eligibility, even if financial support was previously awarded. If a student received DSAs for any specialist equipment for a previous course, this will be taken into account. Students of any age can apply for DSA.
DSA does not cover all reasonable adjustments that may be required to complete a university course. The student’s university may be responsible for some adjustments such as providing learning materials in a format that meets a student’s needs.
Further information can be found on the GOV.uk Disabled Students' Allowance webpages.
Thomas Pocklington Trust supports Further and Higher Education students with vision impairment, including working with FE and HE providers to ensure support is in place:
RNIB Specialist Advice Service Advisors can give further information on this topic
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