DSA Assessment of Needs Overview

The aim of the assessment is to identify the disabled student's needs and requirements in relation to their learning, and any additional costs that they incur because of their disability or difficulty. This may include extra levels of personal support, equipment, consumables, additional travel costs etc. Any additional requirements have to be justified and a report is sent to the student, their funding body and, if agreed, the disability advisor / learning support advisor at their institution.

All information is treated as confidential as required under the Data Protection Act.

Before an assessment can be organised the student has to apply to their funding body. This could be a Local Education Authority, NHS Bursary, the Open University, Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), a Research Council or the Eduaction and Library Boards of Northern Ireland. The funding body will then decide whether the student is eligible for the DSA. On approval the student will be asked to provide evidence of their disabilities or specific learning difficulties. For further information or advice you should contact the disability advisor or learning support advisor at your institution of study.

The DSA is available to undergraduates and postgraduates. For further information on allowances go to you local authority for Student Loans.

If you wish to request an Assessment of Need please complete the Referral Form. We also offer an Assessment of Needs Guide (Microsoft Word format or Adobe Acrobat format), which explains the process for you in easy steps.

Employment Assessment of Needs Overview

Broadbent & Co are qualified and experienced to undertake ergonomic and technical assessments of need with reference to all aspects of disability in the workplace. This includes specialist assistive technology equipment, software assessments and ergonomic assessment. The assessments take place in the persons’ work environment including home-based workers.

Home Assessment of Needs Overview

Broadbent & Co offer ergonomics and technical assessments and advice in the home environment for people who are wishing to prevent postural problems when using advanced technology for work or leisure.