Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): confirmation of arrangements for remote non-medical help (NMH) sessions and remote study needs assessments (SFWIN 07/2021)

In response to the situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, a number of changes have been made to elements of DSA provision, particularly with regard to remote provision of study needs assessments and non-medical help (NMH). 

These changes have been captured through the regular publication of 'frequently asked questions', published by SLC. This SFWIN confirms that going forwards, the following key principles for the provision of study needs assessments and NMH will apply:

• Students will continue to be able to choose a remote study needs assessment if they wish, and where appropriate to do so, without the need for any prior authorisation by SLC. All assessment and outreach centres must be able to provide remote and face to face needs assessments to ensure student choice is maximised. Any study needs assessment provider unable to provide this must advise the SFW DSA team. The method of study needs assessment undertaken must be highlighted on the student’s study needs assessment report submitted to SFW. 
• Students will continue to be able to choose to have NMH sessions remotely if they wish without the need for any prior authorisation by SLC. All NMH providers must be able to provide remote and face to face NMH sessions to ensure student choice is maximised, a student may choose to mix these methods as appropriate to their requirements.

It is important that the above principles are read at all times in conjunction with the legal obligations placed upon us by COVID-19 restrictions, as these change, so will your ability to respond to customer needs. Each provider must ensure their practices are compliant with the regulations in place at the time of the study needs assessment or support is provided. Providers must have appreciation for each student’s individual response to the changing situation.