Below are some frequently asked questions about the Needs Assessment process, if you have any other questions not answered below please feel free to contact us.
Will I have to pay for the Needs Assessment myself?
Why yet another assessment when my disability has already been diagnosed?
What happens if I miss my appointment?
Will I have to do any tests?
What if I disagree with the recommendations in your assessment?
Will my Funding Body agree to everything you recommend?
Can I request extra support that may become available after my assessment?
Do I have to return the equipment once I’ve finished studying?
Will I have to pay for the Needs Assessment myself?
No, the invoice is sent to your funding body. The funds to pay for the assessment are taken from your Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).
Why yet another assessment when my disability has already been diagnosed?
This session is to determine what help you require to study effectively, rather than to investigate the nature of your disability.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you believe you will struggle to make your appointment due to illness or for any other reasons, please let us know preferably a few days before the appointment, so that way we may be able to offer someone else your appointment slot. If you fail to notify us that you will not be able to attend or do so at short notice, then there may be a delay until another appointment can be scheduled and a small charge could be requested from your DSA funds.
Will I have to do any tests?
No, we’re simply finding out what support you need. It is a more relaxed environment than you may have experienced with previous medical assessments.
What if I disagree with the recommendations in your assessment?
In the first instance you should discuss any points you're unhappy about with your assessor. If you and your assessor fail to agree, you may then take this up with the Centre Manager or alternatively speak with your funding body. You may find it helpful to know that our centre is staffed by independent professionals and is a member of the Independent Assessment Centres (IAC), as well as being formerly accredited by our auditing body DSA-QAG.
Will my Funding Body agree to everything you recommend?
Your Needs Assessment report is an account of the discussion between yourself and your assessor. The recommendations that stem from this are a combination of this discussion, the assessors knowledge and experience, plus the guidlines within which these recommendations can be made and the Medical evidence you submitted with your application.
Your Funding Body is the final arbiter of the DSA fund and can change or reject any recommendation made by your assessor. Your assessor will however be happy to appeal any recommendations that have been refused in the event that this situation occurs.
Can I request extra support that may become available after my assessment?
Yes, but you need a valid case for requesting the support (i.e. they should be necessary to alleviate difficulties caused by your disability/dyslexia in relation to your studies). Contact us and formally request the support you feel you need (we may then require further evidence to be supplied by yourselves).
Do I have to return the equipment once I’ve finished studying?
No, it’s yours to keep.
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