Study Needs Assessment
A Study Needs Assessment is an informal meeting between the student and an experienced study needs assessor. It helps work out what support the student will need based on their individual needs.
Students will be given details of their supplier dealing with their needs assessment in their DSA1 eligibility letter. If the student has given us permission to share their information, the supplier will contact them to book their needs assessment.
At their needs assessment, the student will talk with their needs assessor about the impact their disability has on their studies, any support they’ve benefitted from in the past and the details of their course. Their needs assessor may also demonstrate equipment or software to the student.
They can attend a needs assessment by online video call or in person, even if they don’t have a confirmed place yet.
If the student gave us their consent when they applied, we’ll share their medical evidence with their DSA supplier to save them having to send it again.
After their needs assessment, the assessor will write a report recommending what DSA support the student should get. If the student wants, they’ll be able to review a draft copy of the report before it’s sent to us. Once we’ve reviewed the report, the student will be notified of the specific DSA support that’s been approved and how to access it.
Costs
They don't need to pay the costs of their needs assessment. Any travel costs, to and from the assessment centre, can be claimed back once their DSA has been approved by sending us the receipts.
Changes to the agreed support
If they want any additional support that hasn't been agreed as part of the DSA, they should speak to their needs assessor.
Changes to their needs
A review of their study needs can be carried out if their circumstances have changed.
A review can be agreed if:
- they’ve had a gap in their studies of 2 years or longer
- their last assessment or review took place five or more years ago
A new condition
If the student wishes to apply for DSA for a new condition, they’ll need to give medical evidence for the new condition. We'll confirm whether they need to have their needs reviewed.
Any review costs will be paid for by their DSA.
Worsening of an already accepted condition
If they give evidence that an already accepted condition has worsened, they should contact their needs assessor. They may also want to discuss this with their disability adviser too.
Can they change their assessment centre?
If the student has any issues with their assessment centre, they should firstly speak to their supplier. If this can’t be resolved, the student should contact us to let us know about their issues.
