The Student Guide to Disabled Education: DSA and DASS

So, you’re a student with a disability and you’re starting university – or maybe you’re already a student and newly diagnosed – what support should you set up? There are two main support systems for disabled students: DSA and DASS.

You can apply and receive support from both services.

DSA

DSA: What is it?

The DSA stands for the Disabled Students Allowance. 

The DSA is an external organisation connected to the government, and not run by the university. It is run by Student Finance England (SFE).

It is not means-tested, and does measure you or your parent’s income.

You do not pay back any support obtained under the DSA.

DSA: Who qualifies?

The DSA provides support to any student, regardless of age, nationality, or mode of study, with a recognised disability: including physical disabilities, health conditions, cognitive disabilities or neurodivergency, and long-standing mental health conditions. 

To qualify, you need a formal diagnosis – either by a doctor, psychiatrist, or other recognised body.

DSA: What do they do?

The DSA provides a wide-variety of support depending on your individual needs. There is no set list, and is extremely flexible, but here are some common allowances:

• Financial – The DSA can provide increased student finance to individuals whose disability incurs an extra financial cost.
• Equipment – The DSA can provide technology and equipment to make studying easier, such as: recording equipment for lectures, mobility support, or laptops.
• Software – The DSA can provide you with specialist software for your technology, such as: reading comprehension programmes, proofreading software, typing and writing support, or assistive technology.
• Helper – The DSA can provide non-medical helpers, including note-takers, typist, proof reader, interpreters, or campus assistant. 
• Mentoring – The DSA can provide specialist one-to-one support, commonly used for mental health or neurodivergent support, but can also provided educational and life mentoring. 
• Travel Assistance – The DSA can provide organisation or financial help to students who need extra travel support to get to and from university.

DSA: How do I set this up?

To set up the DSA, you need to go to Student Finance England (SFE) website, and click on the heading ‘Disabled Student’s Allowance.’

To apply, you need to provide formal documentation, such as a diagnosis letter, or a note from a doctor or psychiatrist, which can verify your diagnosed disability.

Following this, you will be invited to book a ‘needs assessment’, where you will have a meeting to discuss your support needs and what allowances the DSA can provide for you.

It can take up to 14 weeks to get your support put in place, so it is important to apply as early as possible.

DASS

DASS: What is it?

DASS stands for the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

DASS is an internal organisation ran by the university and is disconnected from Student Finance.

It provides no financial support, but offers internal study and living support.

DASS: Who qualifies?

You are eligible for DASS if you are student at University of Manchester, regardless of age, nationality, programme or mode of study.

DASS provides support to any student with any recognised disability, illness or mental health condition. Unlike DSA, you do not need a formal diagnosis, although it will support your application if you do have one. If you are currently trying to get diagnosed, you may still be able to access the support.

DASS: What do they do?

DASS provides a variety of internal support methods to help your life at university and your studies easier. Here are some common examples of the support you may receive:

Tutor support – if you provide consent, DASS will send your ‘University Support Plan’ to your tutors and lecturers. They can then adjust their lessons accordingly, such as not asking you questions, providing written copies of the content, as well understanding any stims, headphones or sensory toys.

Seminar/lecture adjustments – DASS can adjust seminars and lecturers to help you – including a set seat, visual or hearing aids, or changes to noise levels or stimuli.

Extensions – DASS can put in place automatic extensions to any coursework, giving you an extra week to complete assignments.

Exam support – DASS can provide support for examinations, such as reading help, extra time, or private rooms.

Timetabling adjustments – DASS can adjust your timetable to help your disability needs, such as giving you classes at certain times, removing back-to-back classes, or changes room locations to provide mobility access.

Accommodation – DASS can also help with on-campus accommodation, making sure you are provides with appropriate housing according to your support,  or mobility needs.

There is no set list of adjustments, and you can ask for any support you feel would help.

DASS: How do I set this up?

To access the service, you will need to fill in the registration form and providing supporting evidence. You can find this on the University webpage.

If you are currently without a formal diagnosis, you may provide a note from a doctor, therapist, or appropriate body, detailing your symptoms and explaining you are on the waiting list for assessment.

After you register with DASS, you will be invited to book a meeting with a member of staff and together you will create a ‘University Support Plan’, containing the disability adjustments DASS can offer you.

If you are unsure about your application, you can submit a ‘Quick Query Form’ or join one of the regular DASS Zoom appointments (dates and times will be on the University webpage).