What is the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?
DSA funds additional academic support that might be required due to a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition, neurodivergence or specific learning difference. This might include support such as 1:1 specialist tuition or assistive technology and software. It does not include personal care support required, whether or not you are at university.
Applying for DSA
If you are eligible for DSA, we strongly encourage you to apply. More information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the following links:
The application process follows these steps:
Step 1: Submit a DSA application. The quickest way to do this is online, via your Student Finance account. This should be sent with supporting evidence to your funding authority, e.g. Student Finance England. Applications can also be submitted via email or post, if preferred.
Step 2: Your needs assessment. You should receive a DSA1 confirmation letter (usually via email) with details of an assessment centre to contact. Remember, your needs assessment is not a test but an opportunity to discuss your study needs in an informal, supportive environment. The assessor will recommend additional academic support that the DSA can fund.
Step 3: The assessor will write a report of these recommendations, which will be sent to your funding body for approval.
Step 4: Once approved, you will receive a DSA2 letter - again, usually via email. You must contact the suppliers listed on your DSA2 letter to arrange your DSA-funded support.
We are here to help you throughout this process. If you have questions or need further guidance on your next steps, you can contact ASDAC. Email asdac@port.ac.uk or call 02392 843462
What if my DSA support cannot be offered when I request it?
Occasionally, a recommended supplier cannot provide you with the support at the requested time. You can look at the ASDAC online learning resources while you wait for an alternative time to be arranged.
If an alternative time is not possible, you can contact your needs assessor to arrange an alternative supplier. Please contact ASDAC if this is the case and you’d like assistance with this.
What if I do not qualify for DSA?
If you do not qualify for DSA (e.g., international students, or are taking a course that is not eligible) but would like to access this support and need help applying, we’d still like to hear from you. You can take the following steps:
Step 1: Contact ASDAC and discuss your learning needs with a member of the ASDAC team
Step 2: Supply supporting information (not always necessary, and we can advise and support you to obtain it if needed)
Step 3: Access additional support