Study Support

Hi everyone, I´ve just seen a forum topic called VERY MATURE, posted by a mature student, and since I´m at the other end of the spectrum, where it can also seem rather lonely, I thought I´d start a

The recent outburst by some of our noted authors against the new government laws coming into force this autumn and concerning the need for CRB vetting for anyone working with children does seem to be

Words are great aren´t they? Especially the random ones. My particular favourites are skullduggery and nincompoopery. Do you have any favourites?

If you have a disability which affects your study, find out how you are entitled to support from the Disabled Students’ Allowance...

Disabled students are able to take advantage of a range of support services which could help them with their study journey at The Open University. The term ‘disability’ covers a broad range of impairments, for example,
mobility, sensory as well as mental health difficulties, specific learning differences and health conditions such
as heart disease, diabetes, HIV or chronic fatigue or pain.

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is not means-tested, and can be awarded in addition to any other financial support that students might be eligible for, be it a fee grant  or course grant. A DSA award does not affect any other benefits or deny any other student a grant. Once a student has disclosed their disability to the OU, they are automatically invited to apply for a DSA.

Criteria

If they meet the required criteria, The Open University arranges a Needs Assessment, which is carried out by an independent, fully qualified assessor, in the student’s home or the nearest Access Centre. The assessor establishes how the student’s disability will affect their ability to study the course and puts forward recommendations to the DSA awards officers.

The grant may include allowances for specialist software and assistive equipment, such as radio aids, low-vision aids, scanners, keyboards and ergonomic furniture. There may also be help from non-medical helpers such as a note taker, dyslexia support tutor or an assistant for residential school. The DSA grant may include allowances for specialist software and equipment.

For students in the UK (excluding Scotland) there is also an annual general allowance and extra travel costs related to study, for example, covering up to 75 per cent of a taxi fare to a tutorial. Students in England, Wales or Northern Ireland need to be studying 30 credit points or more in the year they first apply in order to qualify for a DSA. The DSA Office in Milton Keynes can help students to fill in the application form or this can be done online. For more information visit www.open.ac.uk/disability There is a separate awards agency in Scotland – the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). For more information visit www.student-support-saas.gov.uk

Eligible students are strongly advised to apply at the start of the course so that all aspects of study support can be addressed, including the taking of examinations. All information about a student’s disability will be treated in strictest confidence – neither the tutor nor fellow students need know. To qualify for a DSA you must be studying at least 60 credit points in each academic year, as well as satisfying residency requirements.

To apply for the DSA

Contact the DSA Office on +44(0)1908 654136; textphone +44(0)1908 659955; fax +44(0 1908 659956, or email DSA-Queries@open.ac.uk

For more information about DSAs phone +44(0)800 7319133 to get hold of a copy of the Bridging the Gap leaflet, quoting the reference S/BT GB/V7, or by textphone +44(0)800 3288988. You can also download a copy from www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

If you are not eligible for a DSA, contact the Financial Support Office on +44(0)1908 653411 for more information about other financial support you may be able to apply for. The rules and regulations governing DSA awards in
Scotland are determined by the Scottish Executive. The OU DSA office does not handle applications from students in Scotland; they are dealt with by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), which makes the final decision about what you will receive and what services will be approved and paid for from your DSA.

To read one student´s experience of how the DSA benefitted her, click here. This article first appeared in Sesame, the student and alumni magazine. Click here to view Sesame online.

Does anybody else have random moments like a parsnip attack or tea bag time?

Hi Iam Rachel and have one year done with the OU ,Iam on route to a degree in psychology. I love the reading materials and the way the OU gives plenty of help.

Hi everyone, I have just registered for Y163 - Starting with Psychology with a view to enrolling on the BSc in Psychology early in 2010.

You can buy OU books from www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com, some of the books on here are cheaper than the RRP these are the official books and you can also check the ISBN to make sure that you buy

Why are people clamouring for a General Election right now? Don´t they realise that if we have an election now there will be 635 MP´s elected who consider themselves vindicated by the electorate.