Top tips

Jackie Webster (DSA Awards Officer): Apply as early as possible. It can take three months from when you first apply to when you get your new equipment. Secondly, you need to look always at the information and the Notes Section. That helps you get it right first time. It tells you what you need to tell us and it also tells you what you need to send us.

We'd also strongly recommend that you take photocopies of everything that you're sending in. Unfortunately the post isn't as reliable as we'd like it and documents do occasionally go missing.

Colin Beesley (DSA Awards Officer): If you've got any questions at all about the process or if you need any advice or if you'd like us to simply fill out the form for you and send it on, then just give us a call. There's always people in the office. We're always happy to help and we'll always do whatever we can to try and make your application process as smooth as possible.

Jackie Webster (DSA Awards Officer): And my biggest tip is that if you are studying 30 credit points or more, or 60 for Scotland, and you have a disability then please apply for a DSA. You'll be amazed at what we can help you with.

Colin Beesley (DSA Awards Officer): You may not be aware of the solutions or the technology or even the simple one-to-one support that will make your life a lot easier while you're studying. You've got nothing to lose by applying other than a small amount of time. And ultimately you'll find that your study experience is massively improved by having DSA support in place.

Woman: Thank you so much for granting me this disability award. It took me a few hours and bucket loads of tears to absorb all the information. I really do appreciate it. Thank you.

Woman: With the great appreciation of help given me by your department of OU concerning my disability.

Man: Your support has made a huge difference to the quality of my life. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to get through my studies.

Colin Beesley (DSA Awards Officer): Top tips. Apply as early as possible. Use the guidance notes when applying. Photocopy any documents you send. Call the DSA office if you need any help. The numbers are 01908 654136, or if you're studying in Scotland, 0131 226 3851.