#169: Guidance and Support for University Students with Dyslexia with Michelle Power

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome guest Michelle Power, an expert in the process of obtaining Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Together, they explore the journey of applying for DSA, especially for students with dyslexia. Michelle shares her extensive experience from being an Assistive Technology Officer to a DSA Needs Assessor and discusses the step-by-step process of securing support, the importance of university disability support staff, and how to overcome common barriers in the application process. This comprehensive discussion also covers the needs assessment, the kind of support available, and advice for both students and parents on navigating this crucial aspect of receiving an equitable education.

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Valuable Terms & Acronyms

1. DSA (Disabled Students' Allowance)

• UK government funding for students with disabilities, including dyslexia.

• Link: gov.uk Disabled Students' Allowance

2. Needs Assessment / Assessment of Needs

• The process to determine what support a student is eligible for under DSA.

3. Reasonable Adjustments

• Modifications or support provided by universities (e.g., extra exam time).

4. Assistive Technology

• Software and hardware to support learning (e.g., mind mapping, text-to-speech).

5. Non-Medical Helper (NMH) Support

• Human support such as study skills tutors or mentors.

6. DSA 1 Letter / DSA 2 Letter

• Official communications confirming eligibility and approved support.

7. Review of Needs

• Follow-up assessment if additional needs or evidence arise.

8. HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency)

• UK body providing statistics on higher education.

• Link: HESA

9. HEP (Higher Education Provider)

• Universities or colleges providing higher education.

10. Learner Support Fund

• Government fund for apprentices with learning differences.

11. Access to Work

• UK government program for workplace disability support.

• Link: Access to Work

Links:

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/
• what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• How to mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
• Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia
• Aventido: https://aventido.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-power-117aa132b
• Disabled Students' Allowance Application process
• Eligibility and Medical Evidence
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) Wales
• Northern Ireland
• SAAS funding Scotland - Disabled Students' Allowance

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app