Dear all
This is important and much welcome news for all disabled
students in the UK.
David Blunkett, our Minister for Education, has recently announced an
extension to the Disabled Students Allowance to cover post graduate
studentships for the COMING academic year 2000/01..
According to the press release:
'The Secretary of State, speaking at the Association of University
Teachers conference at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne on 10 May
announced the extension of disabled students allowances (DSA's) to
full and part time postgraduate students, starting in September 2000.
Post graduate students on recognized taught and research courses
will be eligible for a DSA. The courses should be equivalent to one
which could be eligible for awards from the Research Councils.
The Course should last at least one year if full time and more than
one year if part time. (For example, the post graduate disability
studies programme - Diploma/MA, research studentships - here at
Leeds would be eligible). Existing post graduate students who meet
the criteria will also be eligible to receive DSA's starting in
September 2000. There will be no age limit and the DSA will not be
means tested.
We estimate that up to 4000 students may be eligible for a DSA.
There will be one allowance of up to £5000 per year which the
student can use to buy specialist equipment, non medical helpers,
and or additional travel costs. The amount of DSA received will
depend on the needs assessment. A student will be entitled to receive
DSA's over the length of their course.
It is likely that DSA's for post graduate students will also be
administered by LEA's (Local Education Authority's). The DSA will be
paid directly to the student, or to the supplier of equipment or
services. For the academic year 2000/01, it is likely that students
will apply after their course start as time is needed to put the
necessary arrangements in place. In future years, our intention is
that DSA's will be available at the beginning of term'.
Sorry that's all the information I have so please don't email me with
requests for further info'. .
Colin B
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