Students in receipt of DSA would not be a true
reflection of the numbers of students with
disabilities and additional needs studying in HE,
even if part-time students were able to access
the allowance.
Many students, especially mature students, are
unaware of DSA and either don't come forward
for support or do not bother to apply to university
in the first place.
If Hefce is serious about widening participation in
respect of disabled students, the DSA needs to
be publicised more widely. We must also ensure
that any changes in funding continue to direct
funds towards the individual in meeting specific
needs, rather than going into a 'central pot'.
If HEIs are to be 'rewarded' financially for
widening participation then there needs to be
some form of comprehensive measurement of
the service it provides. If not, universities could
target and increase numbers of disabled
students and be rewarded without providing a
high quality service. They might also choose to
be selective in targeting only those who would
qualify for DSA.
In relation to special funding, initiatives which
support inclusive policy and practice need to be
encouraged eg. disabled people could be
targeted for summer access programmes but
NOT as a segregated group - as part of the
overall target group.
Disabled people are often unaware of
educational opportunities open to them and
might assume that they need formal
qualifications to enter HE.
There is also the more complex issue of benefits
which needs to be looked at via a mult-agency
approach. Many disabled people who would
benefit from HE are deterred by the thought of
losing benefits and the difficulties in re-applying
at the end of a course if they donot find
appropriate employment.
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