After applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA), your funding body will write to you and ask you to have a Study Needs Assessment.

This assessment, which will be paid for by your funding body, can be carried out at University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with North Herts Access Centre, or at an approved Assessment Centre of your choice (e.g. one closer to your home).

The assessment takes about two hours and involves a discussion with your assessor to determine what you find difficult at University and also to tell you about the type of support available.

This support can include specialist equipment such as a computer, scanner, printer or digital recorder; non-medical helpers such as study skills tutors, mentors, notetakers or BSL interpreters; travel costs incurred because of your disability; and other costs including allowances for photocopying and printing.

The assessor will prepare a detailed report including costings for all your support, and this report will then be sent to your funding body for their agreement. Shortly after, you will receive a letter of "entitlement" from your funding body which details the support they have agreed.

As soon as you receive this letter, please send us a copy so that we can arrange for your support staff to start working with you. We can also advise you on ordering your equipment and check your general support which is detailed in your Learning and Teaching Support Agreement