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Hey guys! So today's blog is going to be on student finance, specifically the DSA.
The DSA is the Disabled Student's Allowance. I myself currently receive it.
It's basically an allowance for students with disabilities or a learning difficulty
or other health care problems which may impact the student.
The reason I receive it is because I have an eye condition called Keratoconus which
basically is where the cornea of my eye is shaped more like a rugby ball - more pointy
compared to an average person's eye which is more round like a football.
But yeah, when you apply for student finance there is an option to apply for the DSA.
Basically the DSA offers a range of different support services from travelling costs, equipment,
and other services such as note taking support and even mentoring and counselling services as well.
The support services that I currently receive for my eyes is I got a free laptop,
I got a free printer, I get free ink allowance, free internet allowance and I also have a
specialist eye program software on the laptop which basically enlarges text and can zoom
in really in detail without making it blurry. And it also can read out text as well which
is really useful for me as it can stop me from squinting and overusing my eyes.
But yeah, as I was saying there's a range of different software that covers all kinds
of disabilities and learning support issues such as dyslexia software, and there's a range
of different hardware as well.
In addition to this, what happens when you do apply you may have to provide a medical
note or a doctor's or a test confirming you have the condition. If that gets approved
you will usually have a meeting with a specialist disability adviser and they will go through
your certain requirements and make suggestions of equipment and support services that they
could put in place for you.
I had mine and the adviser was really helpful. She suggested all the stuff that I got given.
She even offered other things that I maybe didn't need but they get to know you really
well and they will suggest the appropriate material for you.
Also aside from that side of things Kingston University itself offers a great service to
disabled and learning, students with learning difficulties, here as well. For example for
exams they give me an enlarged paper and they also allow me a few extra minutes as well.
So if you do have a disability make sure you apply for DSA and let whatever university
you go to, I'm sure they have a disability officer and they can help you out as well.
Just make sure you apply on time and if you haven't applied for student finance and you're
starting next year just do it as soon as possible because I didn't apply for my student finance
until August and I didn't get anything until after Christmas so make sure you apply!
So if you have any questions about the DSA or anything else ask away. Thanks for now.
Bye!