Access to Work: Compare to DSA Sue McKenna Learning Differences Centre

What we will discuss  What is AtW funding  How does it compare with the familiar stream of funding: DSA  Why do we need to know about AtW funding  Case studies A & B  References and further reading

What is Access to Work? ( AtW)  AtW provides funding for people in employment, or just about to start a new job, whose work is affected by a disability.  The disability may not have a big effect on what the applicant can do each day, but may have a long-term effect on how well the applicant can do their job.  The funding is paid in differing proportions, varying from 100% to 50% between AtW and the employer, depending on whether the support is deemed to be disability or employment rated.

AtW funding  The grant varies depending on how long the applicant has been employed, what support is needed and whether applicant is self-employed.  Grant covers approved costs of Support Workers, fares to work, equipment that is needed at work and adapting premises to meet applicants needs.  The circumstances and support is reviewed between one and three years.

AtW funding  Is not available for the first £300 of approved costs in any 3 years of expenditure.  Is available for all approved costs between £300 and £10,000 over 3 years, meeting up to 80% of them.  All approved costs above that amount will be paid through the programme.  AtW pays all approved costs if applicant is self-employed.  AtW pays 100% of approved costs for Support Workers

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?  DSAs are non means tested allowances to help meet any additional costs that have to be paid in attending a course as a result of a disability.  The allowances are not paid to student directly but are used to fund specific support.  There are four allowances. For example the maximum amounts of funding for full time undergraduates in 2009/2010 are:

Allowances 2009/10  Specialist equipment up to £5,161 for entire course- this may be used for items such as IT equipment, software etc.  Non-medical helper up to £20,520 per year- this may be used for individual study skills support, note taking support, mentor support etc.  General Disabled Allowance up to £1,724 per year- may be used for books, photocopying etc.  Travel costs, no limit if required

Compare DSA & A2W  What are the similarities and differences  Review Points 1-20

Case Study student A & B  Funding stream took a long time to identify  Variations in their service, recommendations and support  All came too late in their course to be of real help  University can claim some funding for study skills delivered  Employer confused and unsure what and how to support  Both students will pursue recommended equipment when degree completed for support in their workplace

Why do we need to know about AtW  How will this fund impact upon students?  How will this fund impact upon the University?  How will this fund impact upon the employer?  How is this funding expected to impact upon society?

References DSA  DSA: Tel: for copy of Bridging the Gap: A guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs) in Higher Education 2009/2010.  finance

References AtW  AtW: Three regional centres: London, Cardiff or Glasgow.  London (SE England, London and East of England)  Tel atw-london-  loymentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/D G_ loymentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/D G_