A necessary step to access DSA funding is a needs assessment. The process for arranging a needs assessment can vary depending on your funding body (e.g. SAAS, SFE, SFW, SFNI or HEA). Your Univrsity Disability Service can guide you on the relevant process for you.

The needs assessment is not an ‘assessment’ you can pass or fail. The assessment is a supportive conversation about your course, exploring your strengths and challenges with different aspects of academic study. The assessor will talk to you about different kinds of support that can be funded such as human support (e.g. study skills tutors, mental health mentors) and software and equipment to help your studies.

This factsheet gives you an idea of what you can expect to happen in a DSA needs assessment and some ideas for preparing

If you have any access needs or preferences to enable you to fully participate in the assessment, please do let your Disability Adviser know. It is very important to us that you are able to express your views and opinions so that we can ensure you get the most out of this process and that the recommendations we make are appropriate to your individual requirements.

If you have applied for DSA the needs assessment is an essential part of the process. Recommendations will vary from person to person, depending on your course, how your autism affects you and the impact on your studies.

During the assessment you will have the opportunity to ask questions or suggest strategies or equipment that you feel you may benefit from, or have worked for you in the past.

All recommendations must be considered in relation to the DSA regulations and guidance.