Results Day... Are you off to university? You may be eligible for additional support

School’s out for summer, but along with lots of sunshine and fun it also means results day is looming! A- levels results day is today, Thursday 16th August and students all over the country are preparing to find out how they did in their exams. If you’re one of the lucky ones off to university it could be time to see if you’re eligible for additional support in higher education.

Use our HE support checker

Getting a degree is a huge challenge for every student but some students face additional challenges and barriers. You could be eligible for extra help from your university and the UK Government's Disabled Students' Allowances.

Use our free HE Support Checker to find out if you could be eligible for extra support at university due to a health condition or impairment. This is entirely anonymous, and you do not have to supply any personal information.

What support could you get?

Many students face extra challenges due to medical conditions or disabilities and could be getting extra help to make sure they are able to achieve their full potential. This can include specialist hardware or software, changes to timetabling and deadlines or support from specialist staff to make their learning activities as accessible as possible.

Who could be eligible?

The Government’s Disabled Students’ Allowances offer a grant to help pay for equipment and other adaptations - this is funding which you don’t have to pay back. People who have claimed DSA include people with a wide range of conditions and impairments, including:

• ADHD
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bi-polar
• Cancer
• Chronic Fatigue
• Crohn's disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Dyslexia
• Eating disorder
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• IBS
• Migraines
• Spina Bifida
• Specific Learning Difference
• Tinnitus
• Visual or Hearing Impairment
• and many more

"As an autistic/other woman the support has been crucial to my success on the course. I got my first distinction ever last term! My learning mentor was so supportive and practical keeping me on target. The equipment provided meant I could work anywhere and recall important information. Because I didn’t know about DSA until the end of my first term I nearly left the course then. But a BCU advisor told me about it and helped me apply. It has still been challenging BUT with DSA support/equipment I am nearly there. Thank you!"

- Alison, Birmingham City University

Even if you are not eligible for DSA you can also check with your university to see what they may be able to provide for you. They will have specialist staff who will listen to your concerns and do what they can to help you address them.

Who are AbilityNet and how can we help?

AbilityNet is a UK charity that helps people of any age and ability to use tech to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education. We do this by providing specialist advice services, free information resources and by helping to build a more accessible digital world.

You can find out more online www.abilitynet.org.uk by using our freephone number: 0800 269 545 or email us: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk