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If you are studying a higher education course with the college, and have additional needs that impact on your study, you may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
DSA is funding made available via Student Finance England to pay for a range of support services to enable you to do well on your programme of study. It is not a loan, although there may be some upfront costs in order to access the funding and provision recommended.
This flow chart helps explain how we can help you get the support you need. Where possible please speak to your Course Leader or tutor first, or alternatively your local Student Union rep can help. If you prefer please contact our ALS department directly;
Hastings.ALS@escg.ac.uk
Eastbourne.ALS@escg.ac.uk
Lewes.ALS@escg.ac.uk
Support for your Studies DSA flow chart.pdfAccessing an Assessment for your Disabled Students Allowance Application
You are eligible to apply for DSA if you have a:
specific learning difficulty, for example dyslexia or ADHD
mental health condition, for example anxiety or depression
physical disability, for example if you have to use crutches, a wheelchair or a special keyboard
sensory disability, for example if you’re visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing impairment
long-term health condition, for example cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV
How do I show that I am eligible?
To show your eligibility for the funding you will need to send to Student Finance England evidence of your needs, such as a doctor’s letter.
For students declaring a specific learning difficulty you will need to send a diagnostic assessment of your needs that was completed after age 16. Specialist assessors and educational psychologists can complete the assessments needed in this case. You will need to contact, book and pay for an assessment with one of these professionals before applying for DSA for specific learning difficulties.
You can still apply for DSA under other eligible needs even if you have a specific learning difficulty and need to wait to get an assessment completed for specific support around this.
How do I find an assessor?
The British Dyslexia Association has a list of registered assessors. You can find out more here:
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/assessments/diagnostic-assessments
How do I pay for an assessment?
Most assessments cost around £600. You can apply to a range of support services for funding;
The HE Hardship fund at college – email hebursaries@escg.ac.uk for more information
Local charitable trusts and grants – check out https://www.escis.org.uk/category/education-and-careers/education-grants/#p1 for possible sources in Sussex
National charitable trusts and grants – check out Turn2Us grant search database here https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/
You can also use these sources for any funding needed as part of your DSA award – you may need to pay the first £200 of any new computer or laptop if it is agreed by DSA that you need one.
Who will provide my support?
A range of local providers may be named in your assessment. You will receive a letter from Student Finance England confirming who is to provide your support. Once you get the letter you need to contact them direct and book your support with them.
How can the college help?
Please contact the Additional Learning Support team on your campus if you need further information advice about applying for DSA, or if you need support with contacting your providers.
Hastings.ALS@escg.ac.uk
Eastbourne.ALS@escg.ac.uk
Lewes.ALS@escg.ac.uk
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