Regional Access Centre East London
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Regional Access Centre East London
Who are we?
We are a small team who are passionate about helping you to achieve your academic goals. You can expect a friendly and efficient service from our experienced staff, who will be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns about the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).
What we do
At the Regional Access Centre East London (RACEL) we undertake Study Needs Assessments for home students who are eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance funded by:
- Research Councils
- Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
- NHS
- Apprenticeships
- Higher Education Provider (HEP)-Funded students
RACEL was established in 1999 and during this time, we have undertaken over 10,000 Needs Assessments.
The Needs Assessment is not a test, but a conversation to:
- Discuss the impact of your disability/Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) on your current and previous education.
- Consider the requirements of your chosen programme (e.g., research, lab sessions, placements, exams, etc).
- Identify the best study strategies to enable you to achieve your goals.
- Identify the best study aids, to help you meet your programme requirements.
After the assessment, a Study Needs Assessment Report is then written by your Assessor. This report outlines the technological and personal support being recommended to assist you in your studies. This report is then sent to your funding body (e.g. SAAS, NHS etc.) for approval.
Once your funding body or University receives your Study Needs Assessment, they will review the recommendations and make the final decision about what support you are entitled to.
Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales have changed the way the DSA is administered. You can find further information about this on our Changes to the Disabled Students Allowance - How will they impact me? page.
Contact us
If you would like to book a Needs Assessment or have a query about your DSA support, please contact us.
- By email on racel@uel.ac.uk
- By telephone on 020 8223 4118
Feedback from our students
"I have no advice because the whole process was actually stellar! I felt so seen and understood during the assessment, and I was still supported after the assessment and throughout the process as well…"
"...the assessment was very thorough, efficient, informative and helpful. Many thanks to the team."
Complaints and concerns
At RACEL, we are always striving to improve the service that we provide.
After you receive the final copy of your report, you will be sent a feedback questionnaire where you will have the opportunity to provide us with valuable feedback.
All feedback is treated in a strictly confidential manner and will allow us to shape the service for the future.
In the event that you are unhappy with the service and wish to raise a complaint, please feel free to take the following steps:
- In the first instance please contact the Access Centre Manager, Tracey Bullock, to discuss the issue/concern either by phone or via email. Tracey can be contacted on 020 8223 4118 or via email t.bullock@uel.ac.uk We will ensure that this is dealt with in an appropriate manner and work towards an amicable solution.
- After speaking with Tracey Bullock, if you do not feel that your issue/concern has been resolved, please follow the link to our Complaints Policy.
Related pages
Changes to the Disabled Students Allowance
Since February 2024, the DSA has undergone some big changes which aims to streamline the DSA process for students.
Changes to the DSA
FAQs and useful links
Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the DSA are detailed on our website. There are also useful links related to the DSA.
See FAQs and useful links
Disabled Students’ Allowance
DSA contributes towards the additional costs which you may incur during your course, due to your disability or Specific Learning Difference. The DSA is not a loan and does not need to be paid back.
Information about DSA