• Will support at university be arranged automatically because I have disclosed that I have dyslexia/dyspraxia on my application?
• How do I disclose a learning difficulty to ensure I get the necessary support?
• How do I apply for a DSA?
• What support can I get if I apply for a DSA?
• How soon can I start to apply for a DSA?
• I do not wish to apply for student loan funding, can I still apply for a DSA?
• How do I know whether my existing dyslexia/dyspraxia report is suitable for a DSA application, if it isn't, what sort of evidence do I need to provide?
• What can I do if my report is not suitable or I no longer have a copy?
• I was automatically given extra time in my last examinations. Will this be the same at Anglia Ruskin and what evidence do I need to provide?
• What if I don't have the evidence to get exam arrangements?
• Do all dyslexic students get the same support from DSAs?
• I have a learning difficulty/disability but I don't envisage needing any support or exam arrangements?
• I have 1:1 support allocated through my DSA but I would like to improve my general study skills to make the most of my new course?
• What if I have questions about dyslexia/dyspraxia support when I am at Anglia Ruskin?

Will support at university be arranged automatically because I have disclosed that I have dyslexia/dyspraxia on my application?

Support is not arranged automatically at university. Each dyslexic/dyspraxic student may have slightly different needs. For this reason, we want to make you aware of support available so you can make informed choices about what you want to access and how to go about it. Support may be available to you through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) and you must apply for this. DSA funding is allocated to the individual and not the University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they engage fully in the process of applying for DSAs; however, the Study Support team can advise and support you with this process.

It's important to know that dyslexic students can and do apply for DSAs, even though many dyslexic/dyspraxic students don't identify themselves as 'disabled'.

A DSA is a grant, rather than a loan, and this means that you do not have to re-pay anything when you have finished your course.

How do I disclose a learning difficulty to ensure I get the necessary support?

Please complete a Self-Assessment Form (below) and return it to the email address detailed on the form. You'll require Microsoft Word (or similar) to complete the form. If you're having trouble completing the form, please contact us.

How do I apply for a DSA?

You'll need to apply to your funding provider. This will vary depending on your home residence and on the level and type of study you'll be undertaking, please see the list of funding providers for the one most appropriate to your circumstances.

What support can I get if I apply for a DSA?

The support provided will depend on how your learning difficulty affects your studies, and what helps you manage these effects. Here are some examples for you to think about.

• You may be worried about taking effective lecture notes at university. A DSA may provide funds for a digital recorder so that you can record lectures.
• You may be concerned that you will find it hard to plan or structure essays. A DSA may pay for a specialist study tutor to help you to improve this skill.
• You may be concerned about grammar or spelling inaccuracies in your written work. A DSA may help you access specialist software to help you spot errors and check your spelling more effectively.

How soon can I start to apply for a DSA?

You can apply as soon as you have applied for a university course. We advise you to apply as soon as you can. This is because there are different stages to the application process and it can take several months for your support to be agreed. It is best if your support is agreed as near to the start of your course as possible.

I do not wish to apply for student loan funding, can I still apply for a DSA?

Yes, even if you do not require student finance in the form of a loan, or if you're not eligible for a loan, you can still apply for a DSA provided you have suitable evidence. Each funding provider has an application form for DSA applications; check the relevant funding provider for details.

However, if you're applying for other student finance, you will have the opportunity to apply for a DSA at the same time as you complete the main student finance form.

How do I know whether my existing dyslexia/dyspraxia report is suitable for a DSA application, if it isn't, what sort of evidence do I need to provide?

If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia/dyspraxia, you'll need to provide a 'diagnostic assessment' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If your most recent diagnostic assessment was when you were under age 16, it may need updating. Please contact your Study Support Adviser who can provide you with further advice.

What can I do if my report is not suitable or I no longer have a copy?

If your report is too old or in some other way not suitable as evidence, you may decide to arrange an updated assessment before you start your course. This is likely to cost between £300 and £500. The Dyslexia Action website includes information about how to find a suitably qualified person. This may be the quickest option as once you have the report you can apply for a DSA.

Alternatively, you may decide to wait until you get to university. Many universities (including Anglia Ruskin) can use the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) to pay for a proportion of the assessment fee for eligible UK students. However, you are only eligible to apply for ALF once you have registered at the University.

If you are applying for a pre-registration medical programme you may be eligible for alternative funding to cover your assessment.

If it is appropriate, you can be referred to an Educational Psychologist for assessment. There is a high demand for these appointments, especially in the first term, but you'll be offered the first available assessment appointment. You may have to wait some weeks for an assessment and you'll be unable to start your DSA application until you have received your new assessment report.

I was automatically given extra time in my last examinations. Will this be the same at Anglia Ruskin and what evidence do I need to provide?

In order to receive exam arrangements at Anglia Ruskin you will need to supply evidence of your learning difficulty in the form of a full diagnostic assessment undertaken by a suitably qualified professional. All evidence must be post-16. Please make an appointment to see a Study Support Adviser to discuss this as soon as possible, as arrangements can not be guaranteed if an application is made later than 10 weeks before the exam.

What if I don't have the evidence to get exam arrangements?

Please contact a Study Support Adviser who can provide you with further advice. You may need to have a new assessment.

Do all dyslexic students get the same support from DSAs?

There are likely to be differences in support. The way you experience dyslexia is unique to you, therefore you may not need the same support as other dyslexic/dyspraxic students. This is why the DSA application process includes an individual needs assessment to determine the right support for you.

I have a learning difficulty/disability but I don't envisage needing any support or exam arrangements?

This is fine but if at any time you feel that you might require support, please contact us.

I have 1:1 support allocated through my DSA but I would like to improve my general study skills to make the most of my new course?

Many students have a recommendation for some specialist study strategies tuition to be funded from a DSA. However, there is additional support available to all students at Anglia Ruskin. Skills@Uni workshops take place throughout the semester and cover a variety of topics from using the library catalogue to essay writing.

What if I have questions about dyslexia/dyspraxia support when I am at Anglia Ruskin?

Come to see a Study Support Adviser in the Study Support Service. We are keen to support you, but won't know that you have questions unless you come to discuss them with us. You need to be proactive to help us to help you.