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University guide for dyslexic students

Read our guide on how to find the right university for you, what to do when you get there and funding to access to fulfil your potential.

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CONTENTS

  1. Choosing a university as a dyslexic student

  2. Going to university as a dyslexic student

  3. Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

  4. Resources for dyslexic students

Choosing a university as a dyslexic student

Dyslexia tends to be the most common and most understood learning difference. It is thought that one in ten people have some form of dyslexia. With this in mind, universities should be providing support to help students with dyslexia thrive but it’s important to do your own research.

Start by contacting the universities on your shortlist.
Speak to someone in the disability support service, describe your situation, and ask what support they can offer you. It may feel difficult to contact this service as many people with dyslexia do not consider it to be a disability but do not let that put you off accessing assistance.

Read the university’s disability webpage.
This is usually within the student services section. Check it acknowledges your condition(s) and hasn’t misgrouped it with something else.

Going to university as a dyslexic student

Once at university, it’s a good idea to:

  • Let your tutors know you have dyslexia and explain how it affects your learning
  • Get permission to record lectures so you can listen back to them
  • Ask for printed notes of presentations, lecture notes, etc. before or after lessons
  • Ask your tutors for clarification if you don’t understand something
  • Ask your tutors to read over your work

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

Although dyslexia is more of a learning difference than a disability, dyslexia is covered under the Equality Act 2010. This means that a person with dyslexia is legally entitled to disabled students’ allowance during their education. Your allowance might cover things like specialist equipment like computer software, one-to-one support like a note-taker or reader, as well as extra travel costs you might have.

Applying for disabled student allowance (DSA)

To apply for the allowance you’ll need a diagnostic assessment unless you’ve already been assessed by a qualified assessor. A Form 8 or IEP (Individual Education Plan) is not enough on its own.

A qualified assessor is usually a practitioner psychologist who is a member of the Health Care Professions Council or a specialist teacher holding an Assessment Practising Certificate. You can find one via the Health Care Professions Council website.

Complete your disabled student allowance application, usually online, and include your diagnostic assessment as proof.

Study needs assessment

Once Student Finance accepts your application you can book a free study needs assessment through your university’s health and wellbeing department. During this assessment, a needs assessor will talk to you about the support and equipment you could benefit from to fulfil your potential while studying.

Once this has been accepted and processed by Student Finance you’ll be given a list of suppliers to contact to get the help you’re entitled to.

Ironically applying for disabled student allowance involves lots of form filling but don’t let that put you off. Apply as early as you can and ask someone like a teacher, friend, or family member to help you. It could make a big difference to your student experience.

For more information about applying read our guide to the Disabled Students Allowance.

Resources for dyslexic students

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