1. Hazel Potter – Aimhigher Graduate Officer Nicki Ho – MMU Learning Support Adviser

2.  The definition of disability acknowledges a wide range of health conditions, specific learning differences, mental health difficulties and sensory impairments  If you have had an ongoing condition for a year or more it is possible that it could be considered a disability. Contact student services at your college, sixth form or university to discuss if unsure

3.  UCAS  The student support services at your chosen university  Disabled Student Allowances

4.  Disabled Student Allowances provide funding for ‘extra’ study-related support if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.

5.  Speak to the support services at your university asap – give them a call or a visit  They can help you to complete your DSA form  They will complete a personal learning plan that lays out your learning support requirements within the university  If you are not entitled to DSA, you may still be entitled to learning support from the university

6.  DSAs help pay for extra costs you may have to pay when studying as a result of a disability or specific learning difficulty.  They are aimed at helping disabled people to study on an equal basis with other students.  Eligible full-time, part-time and postgraduate students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances.

7.  The amount you get doesn’t depend on your household income.  DSAs are paid on top of the standard student finance package.  They don’t have to be paid back, and when you finish your course, you can keep any equipment you receive.

8.  specialist equipment - for example, specialist software, digital voice recorder and spellcheckers  a non-medical helper, such as a note-taker, study skills tutor or BSL interpreter  other costs - for example, printer paper, photocopying or internet costs  extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability

9.  If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition, you will need to provide a letter from a medical professional.  If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you must provide a 'diagnostic assessment report' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you have had an assessment in the past, it may need to be updated.

10. Feb – April 1)Complete the DSA application form (you can get help from student support services at your uni) You can download it at www.direct.gov.uk www.direct.gov.uk

11. May – July 2)If you qualify, you will be invited to a study needs assessment at an access centre. 3)Contact your university student support services to arrange a study support plan.

12. July / August 4)The access centre will send your to assessment report to your funding body. 5)You will receive a letter stating their decisions - including what support can be paid via DSAs, how to order equipment and obtain other support. 6)Forward this letter to your university.

13. August / September 7)Receive equipment and arrange other support outlined in your assessment report, in time to start university in September.

14.  The DSA application process takes time, due to the volume of applications that the university and funding bodies are having to deal with  On average, applications take three months  Start the process of applying as early as possible

15. Any Questions?