Information for learners with disabilities applying for higher education courses

Transcription

1 Information for learners with disabilities applying for higher education courses How to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance Version: March 2014 Andy Branscombe: Learner Support Manager Page 1 of 8

2 Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) If you are applying for or have been accepted onto a Higher Education Course you should consider whether you have a disability, learning difficulty or medical condition that will affect your learning. If you do, you may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). This information booklet is designed to help you apply for the DSA and inform you of the College's support mechanisms. What is the Disabled Student Allowance? (DSA) There are four allowances: Specialist Allowance for computer, tape, recorders, etc. Non-medical Helper Allowance for learner support workers, mobility enablers, sign language interpreter, readers, etc. Other expenditure to top up the other funds or for extra books, photocopy and computer discs, etc DSA can also pay for training on how to use equipment, help in setting it up or insurance. Where will the disability categories be listed? The UCAS form has a list of disability categories which range from 0 to 9. It is helpful both to UCAS and the institution if you choose one of these. This gives us time to make preparations before you arrive. The categories are: 1. You do not have a disability or special need or are not aware of any additional support requirements in study or accommodation. 2. You have dyslexia 3. You are blind / partially sighted 4. You are Deaf / hard of hearing 5. You are a wheelchair user / have mobility difficulties 6. You need personal care or assistance 7. You have mental health difficulties Page 2 of 8

3 8. You have an unseen disability, eg diabetes, epilepsy, heart condition 9. You have two or more of the above disabilities/special needs 10. You have a disability, special need or medical condition not listed above STEP 1: Disclosure of a disability, learning difficulty or medical condition You should indicate your disability needs on the UCAS application. For other applicants, you should notify the course interviewer, or if you would like to discuss your support requirements in confidence, contact the Learner Support Liaison Officer by learner.support@south-thames.ac.uk or phone on (voice) or (minicom). STEP 2: How do I Apply for Disabled Students' Allowance? It s vital that applications are made as early as possible in order to ensure that Student Finance England receives your application in good time. If you re starting your course in * then online applications are quick and easy. You can save changes to the interactive application form as you go, and print off a copy for your records. Go Or Contact Student Finance England for postal applications: Phone Minicom Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm; Saturday and Sunday 9.00am to 5.30pm For information in large print, Braille or audio please ring If you started in 2010/11 or earlier, you'll need to contact either your local authority or the Student Loans Company. Remember It is your responsibility to access support funding for your course. The process of applying to your local education authority and getting an assessment of need may take up to four months. It is therefore vital that you apply for DSA as early as possible. You will not be able to access support until STEP 4 below. Page 3 of 8

4 You must still apply for DSA even if you have been studying at the College previously and receiving support. STEP 3: What happens once I have had my assessment of need? You need to supply a copy of your assessment report to the: Learner Support Liaison Officer South Thames College Wandsworth High Street London SW18 2PP (voice) (text phone) Or by to: learner.support@south-thames.ac.uk STEP 4: You will then be contacted by Learner Support to discuss your support requirements in confidence. What might the awarding body ask for as further evidence of my disability? Evidence of your disability can come from: your doctor an educational psychologist (dyslexia) Dyslexia assessments (current within two years) your present institution eg another college/school Will the DSA affect any benefits? The amount you receive is not linked to your income. However, if you are receiving benefits it is important that you inform your benefit agency when you start your course. If you have a disability, you may still be able to apply for the benefits listed below: Income Support Housing Benefit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance Page 4 of 8

5 What kind of support can I get? Funding for the following support may be accessible through the DSA. This pays for study related costs which you, as a higher education student, may incur because of disability. You may already know what support you need from your previous experience of study at school or another college. The list below is not exhaustive, but will give you an indication of the type of support that we can provide: a) If you are blind or partially sighted: Braille transcripts (good lead time allowance required) computer with speech output computer with voice recognition software tape recorder worksheets/handouts prepared in advance for home use Study, examination and other support arrangement arrangements for photocopying course and examination material in Braille, large print or a tape/disc (good lead time required) extension to coursework deadlines (where appropriate and negotiated with course tutors) extra time in examinations (exam body permitting) good lighting handouts/book list in advance for transcription private study area (negotiated in advance) verbal explanations of visual aids used in lectures or other teaching methods Personal support personal reader personal scribes/amanuensis/note taker someone to assist in getting books from the library Page 5 of 8

6 personal support worker b) If you are Deaf or hard of hearing: computer with speech reading software induction loop (on request) Minicom tape recorder Personal support sign language/interpreter lip-speaker and/or note taker in lectures support tutorials with a signer to assist Study, examination and other support arrangements careful timetabling for extra support extra time or other arrangements for examination c) If you have a medical condition: computer wheelchair use lifting, handling equipment Personal support trained first aid staff for medical assistance scribe/ amanuensis/notetaker room for resting flexible deadlines for arrangements (to be negotiated with course tutor) d) If you have a physical disability: computer tape recorder Page 6 of 8

7 Personal support support worker for practical study-related work scribe/amanuensis/notetaker Study, examination and other support arrangements: disabled car parking at most sites (please check at interview) help in Resource Centre lectures may be moved to take place in accessible rooms (advance notice required) work experience support (negotiated through your metropolitan council) e) If you require transport Your awarding body may finance extra travel costs incurred because of your disability. Please discuss this with them when you apply for DSA. f) If you have dyslexia: computer with spell-check facility and/or specialist dyslexia software tape recorder Personal support extra tutorials from a dyslexia support tutors Learner support worker personal reader support with assignments and course work Study, examinations and other support arrangements: dyslexia assessment facility extra time for assignments and examinations (in accordance with examining body regulations) handouts and book list in advance handouts/exam papers on different coloured paper photocopying arrangements use of a computer or amanuensis in examinations (exam body permitting) Page 7 of 8

8 This information is also available on audio tape, electronic, large print and Braille format, upon request. Page 8 of 8