The Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) provides funding to support eligible students with disabilities and dyslexia/SpLD during the course of their studies.
For advice and help with your DSA application, including navigating your way through the process and how you access your support:
DSA- Zoom Drop-in, usually Monday- Thursday 12-1 pm
Google Meet appointments available at other times by arrangement, please email dsaadvce@brookes.ac.uk
Applying for DSA for dyslexia/SpLD during Covid-19 »
The DSA can be used for:
- equipment, e.g. computer, software.
- 1:1 specialist study skills support, mentoring, IT training
Some items, such as entry level, high cost or low-weight computers; standard or course-specific software; wheelchairs, mobility scooters or radio aids which were previously funded through DSA are no longer being funded. Your needs assessor will advise you of any other changes which will affect you.
Applying for DSA
Application for DSA is through your funding body. Details of the application processes for the main funding bodies can be accessed through the links in the related links box. The video below explains the application process through Student Finance England. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about DSA and the application process.
When your DSA has been approved you will receive a letter outlining your entitlement (also known as the DSA2 letter). If your DSA is provided through Student Finance England, you may find it helps you to understand what you need to do next to refer to this annotated letter to help you to understand your entitlement (DSA2) letter.
£200 contribution towards a computer
Students who are recommended and agreed a computer will be required to pay £200 towards the cost of this. You may be eligible for reimbursement of this through Financial Aid arranged through the Inclusive Support Service.
Printing costs
Printing costs may be funded through DSA. This will be specified in your DSA Entitlement Letter. You can request a statement of your print account by raising a request with IT Services (OBIS) - you'll need to be clear about the period you would like the statement to cover (e.g. from the start of September until today).
You can either do this through the online web portal or at one of the service desk points (see IT Services).
This can then be submitted along with your claim to your funding body.