Disabled students are struggling to enjoy university life after a system that was set up to support them is ‘failing’.
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which underwent major reforms earlier this year, has been criticised after lengthy delays means applications are taking months to be processed, according to one blind student.
Emily Lamb, 23, a MA Journalism student at the University of Sheffield, said: “There are huge hold-ups at all stages of the application and grant process.
“A system designed to aid disabled students in accessing our education is actually causing more stress and frustration.”
The DSA is a non-means tested fund intended to help disabled students in Higher Education with study-related costs, including specialist equipment, non-medical help and travel expe
In February, the Students’ Loans Company (SLC) reformed the DSA model by appointing two suppliers, Capita and Study Tech, who are responsible for looking after disabled students’ needs.
The aim was for applicants to have one point of contact, who would arrange their needs assessment, provide their equipment, training and aftercare.
It was hoped this would make the process easier, faster and better quality.
However, disabled students are still being burdened by lengthy delays, which means they are being forced to start their studies without any DSA support.
Miss Lamb, who lost her sight when she was 20, said: “I am at the end of my first semester, but I still haven’t received any support from the DSA, despite applying in summer. The system is failing students like me.”
Reportedly, the number of students applying for DSA is roughly the same as last year and therefore, what SLC would have been expecting in terms of capacity.
Emily, who has written about her experience for Sheffield Wire, explained the DSA is an essential service to ensure that students with a disability can access their course in the same way that their peers can.
Jayne Woodward, a Disability Advisor at the University of Sheffield, said: “The delays are very concerning.
“Whilst institutions have a responsibility to put reasonable adjustments in place, the access to technology and human support that comes from DSA cannot be fully replicated.”
SLC, who are adamant this is the right model for DSA, said they are working to solve the issue of waiting times.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Since the introduction of the reforms, we have removed the complexity for customers, with one supplier being responsible for the customer journey.
“We are aware the journey time is still too long in certain areas, and we are taking steps to improve it.”
