What is DSA?

ADD/AD(H)D - Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder. A condition that affects behaviour. People with AD(H)D sometimes appear restless, often struggle with concentration, and may act impulsively.

BSL - British Sign Language. The most used form of sign language in the UK.

DSA 1 Letter - The letter sent to students to confirm that they have been approved to receive DSA and how to book their Study Needs Assessment.

DSA 2 Letter - The letter sent to students which confirms what the funding body has agreed to fund through DSA and how to arrange delivery from the suppliers.

DSA - Disabled Student Allowance. Government funding that can be used to fund some of the additional study related costs that students incur due to a mental health condition, long term illness or other disability.

Dyslexia - A learning difficulty associated with reading, often referred to as a Specific Learning Difficulty.

Dyspraxia - A learning difficulty often associated with physical coordination, often referred to as a Specific Learning Difficulty. Also sometimes referred to as DCD ( Developmental co-ordination disorder).

Dyscalculia - A learning difficulty often associated with maths, often referred to as a Specific Learning Difficulty.

Dysgraphia - A learning difficulty often associated with letters and words, often referred to as a Specific Learning Difficulty.

HE - Higher Education refers to learning in universities, higher education institutions (those that do not have a university title) and colleges.

Non medical helper – A specialist that provides individual support related to learning in Higher Education. eg British sign language interpreter or specialist note taker.

SFE - Student Finance England. The mechanism used by students in England to access finance for Higher Education Courses.

SLC - Student Loans Company. A non-profit making government owned organisation that administers loans and grants to students in colleges and universities in the UK. SLC overseas the work of Student Finance England.

SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty. The umbrella term for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and AD(H)D.

SNA - Study Needs Assessment. A remote or in person conversation to look at how an individual’s circumstances are impacting their ability to learn and to look at what resources could be put in place to help.