• What happens to the information collected about me?
• Do I have to come to you?
• Will there be any tests?
• Can I bring someone into the assessment with me?
• How long before I get any recommended equipment / help?
• Does it matter if I haven't had my Needs Assessment prior to starting my course?
• What if my needs or course requirements change during my studies?
• What happens to the equipment once I finish my course?
• Will I be asked to pay the money back?
• Can I park at the assessment location?

What happens to the information collected about me?

The Anglia Assessment Centre operates under the Data Protection Act 1998.

For your application for a DSA to proceed, it will be necessary for us to write a report for your funding body. This will contain your personal details and details of your disability and its effects on your studies. To assist you, we usually send the Disability Officer / Adviser at your College or University a copy of the report. However, if you do not want us to do this, you can tell us at the time of your assessment. In that case, only you and your funding body will receive a copy of the report.

Once your assessment is complete, all your paperwork is scanned and stored on a secure server. All paper based documents are securely shredded. We keep your data for 6 years from the end date of your course and then destroy it securely. If you require further information on our data policy then please contact the Centre.

Do I have to come to you?

Not necessarily. Our administrator can arrange for you to be assessed in your home, if your disability or personal circumstances prevent you traveling to one of our Centres. Also, we can visit local HE providers by arrangement.

Will there be any tests?

No, there are no tests involved during the assessment process.

Can I bring someone into the assessment with me?

The assessment is normally conducted on a one-to-one basis unless there is a specific need for you to be accompanied. However, the decision lies solely with the person being assessed. If you choose to have someone accompany you, the assessor will primarily communicate with you, not the person accompanying you. There are cafe facilities on all our main sites for anyone who accompanies you on the journey.

Unless you are under the age of 18 years, no-one can insist on accompanying you into the assessment.

How long before I get any recommended equipment / help?

The length of time between a DSA Assessment and receiving any recommended equipment / help can vary. It often depends on the time of year. The busiest period for equipment suppliers and trainers is June - October. Non-medical help (dyslexia support, physical assistance, etc.) is often arranged immediately, as this can be put in place by your institution as soon as the report arrives.

Does it matter if I haven't had my Needs Assessment prior to starting my course?

This really depends on the nature and severity of your disability. If you are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or have severe mobility difficulties then it is recommended that you get your assessment done before your course starts. The recommendations are likely to be vital from day one.

Don't delay things longer than you have to, as it is good for you to have all of your support in place before starting. If you start your course and realise that you need additional arrangements, it is not too late. The Disability Officer at your Institution can advise you on how to organise amendments to your recommendations.

What if my needs or course requirements change during my studies?

If you find that your disability has changed or the structure of your course is amended, you should contact your Disability Officer to discuss how to proceed.

What happens to the equipment once I finish my course?

The DSA is a grant. The equipment is owned by you and you take the equipment with you when you finish your studies. However, if you have applied for the DSA in the last six months of your course, you may be provided with rental equipment which would need to be returned to the supplier.

If you do not feel a need to keep the equipment after the end of your course you can donate it to your university's support team so that they can use it to support students who are not eligible for the DSA.

Will I be asked to pay the money back?

No. The DSA is a grant not a loan. The only time you would be required to pay anything back is if you received equipment/support before starting your course and then you did not attend university. If this situation occurs your funding body will contact you to discuss the options available to you.

Can I park at the assessment location?

Parking varies depending on the location. Please refer to the Find Us page for detailed information. If you are a blue badge holder please inform us when booking your appointment and we will arrange accessible parking.