DSAs & Bath Spa Regional Assessment Centre

What are DSAs?

DSAs are non-means tested allowances that can be awarded to UK students in Higher Education who have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), mental health problems or another disability which affects their ability to study. DSAs can help to pay the extra costs a student may have to pay, while studying their course, as a direct result of disability. The allowances can help with the costs of a non-medical helper, major items of specialist equipment, travel and other costs.

Who is eligible to apply?

All students who qualify for maintenance support from Student Finance are eligible to apply for a DSA. You also need to be studying either an eligible full time or part time undergraduate/postgraduate course; the part time course must last for at least one year and mustn't take more than twice as long to complete as the equivalent full time course. Please contact Disability Support if you have any queries - studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk .

Do I have to disclose my disability?

No, but to apply for a DSA, you will have to provide Student Finance with evidence of your disability. Information about your disability will be treated as confidential.

What evidence do I need?

Student Finance must consider all cases where a student faces extra costs to attend their course because of their disability. For example, if you have a physical disability, a mental health difficulty or a SpLD, such as dyslexia, you may qualify.

You will need to demonstrate that your disability will mean that you will incur extra costs in attending your course. You will also need to provide written evidence of your disability, such as a letter from your doctor, or a full up-to-date diagnostic assessment of an SpLD from an educational psychologist or other relevant professional; not providing evidence may delay your application for DSA.

How and to whom do I apply?

When you apply online for financial support for university, answer 'yes' to the questions: Do you have a disability? and Do you want to apply for a DSA? A personalised DSA1 application form will be sent to you by post.  If you are applying for a part-time or postgraduate course or you are not applying for student finance, you can download a DSA1 form and explanatory notes from: www.direct.gov.uk/dsas

Once your application for a DSA award has been approved, your Funding Provider will confirm that you can now attend your nearest DSA Assessment Centre to find out what is needed to support your study at Bath Spa (see also www.nnac.org).

Bath Spa Regional Assessment Centre

The fully equipped, DSA-QAG accredited Bath Spa Regional Assessment Centre will carry out an Assessment of Need for students who are eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance. A team of qualified assessors and disability specialists work collaboratively with students and the Student Support team at Bath Spa University to deliver an efficient and professional service. The Assessment Centre is based on the Newton Park Campus at Bath Spa University.

Once you receive confirmation to attend a Needs Assessment, you can book an appointment by phoning Contact Associates on 01823 352749 or emailing them at admin@contact-associates.co.uk      

When do I apply?

You can apply for a DSA at any stage of your course but it is advisable to apply before you start as the process can take some time.

What does a DSA cover?

Your Individual Needs Assessment will determine your specific needs. See Bridging the Gap for the current maximum allowances; the allowances pay for:

Equipment is usually ordered by Student Finance on your behalf; you will only get enough money from the DSA to cover the cost of the equipment or support you need.

If you have any queries regarding the DSA, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk

What if I don't apply for a DSA?

If you don't apply for a DSA, you will be able to access some support provided by Bath Spa such as extra time for exams. The DSA provides longer-term benefits like one-to-one specialist support and assistive technology. If you would like more information on what Bath Spa can provide for you without a DSA, please contact us.