I'm dyslexic. Will get the test report soon. What are the next steps...DSA

I don't think one should receive a brand new laptop... Can't these people just download the software onto their current one. Unless they can prove their current one is practically ancient and cannot support the software. Also, why do they get to reclaim money on expenses? What expenses are these exactly?

I am well aware that some dyslexics can read better with things like coloured paper. However, I have a friend who was provided with a laptop for dyslexia that comes with no software geared towards his dyslexia. That is why I do not understand the reasoning, because dyslexia puts you at a disadvantage for learning, not for not being able to afford a bog standard laptop.

Whether it is fair or not the general impression of the OP's post is that the diagnosis was a gateway to benefits - specifically a Mac. There is no mention of any understanding or at least acknowledgement of the purpose of such assistance being supportive of learning, education and qualifications.

DSA isn't given in the form of money. Much of it is equipment or non-medical helper. Of course this will help, as the equipment and computer software allows a student to work quicker, to formulate their ideas, to plan essays, to record lectures. A non-medical helper can take lecture notes, offer study skills sessions, or provide mentoring.

Without knowing the detail of your friend's situation or what went on in their DSA assessment, none of us - even you - are in a position to judge. Sometimes a laptop is provided because a person can't handwrite fast enough to take lecture notes. That doesn't need anything more than MS Word and is cheaper than providing a note-taker.

The bottom line is that DSA funding is limited and isn't distributed lightly. The forms you fill in to apply for it are yards long. You have to provide written proof of your problem and its impact on your ability to study from health professionals before your application is even considered. IF the application is accepted, you then have a formal assessment with a specialist advisor who decides what - if any - specialist help you need. From what was said and done in my assessment, they're well drilled in asking questions and giving tests designed to expose those who are just panhandling for a free laptop.

I'm sorry that you don't understand your friend's situation, but you do need to accept that they've jumped through a lot of hoops and passed through a range of medical and occupational health specialists to get what they have. If you feel they don't "deserve" their laptop, the odds are that you're wrong.

Many Dyslexic people require software to help with reading or software to change the colour of the background. They may need an up to date laptop to be able to run this software.

They don't get money. They get equipment and possibly a non medical helper. They can claim back expenses, such as coloured paper. It's not up to you what you spend the money on. The assesor sends a list of recommendations to the body responsible for providing student finance.

Hi,

Hows does the whole DSA process work exactly?

Do they ask you what type of laptop you want, i.e. Sony, Dell?

Also, how long do you have to wait til you get the laptop? I am currently at the stage of providing some evidence about my disability. Do you think I could get a laptop in a month?

It'll probably take around a month from your assessment til you get the equipment so if your assessment is soon you may get it in little over a month. They provide the spec for the laptop and the amount of money they will allocate and you choose from the suppliers website and can put in some of your own money to get a better laptop.

In 2007, following a diagnosis of dyspraxia, I had a second DSA assessment. As my desktop was no longer in working order I was given a laptop.


.

What really? You can get a better laptop from choosing from a website and paying a little extra. I don't mind doing that.

OP: You clearly just want a free expensive laptop which is beyond ridiculous.
If you want one so badly go and buy one.

Look. I am genuinely dyslexic. I get extra time at university, and I am not cheating the system in any way. I suffered from learning difficulties from a young age, and am extremely lucky that I received 1:1 support throughout my primary and some what secondary school. Because of all the help and support I'm doing well. The DSA will help with other equipment as well as SOFTWARE. Sure I could buy a laptop but not the SOFTWARE.

OP: You clearly just want a free expensive laptop which is beyond ridiculous.
If you want one so badly go and buy one.

no you dont get any money, just support to put you up to the level of non dyslexic

you will get taxi fares(minus bus fares), but you will need to pay first then provide reciepts(also you must hve a reason, ie bus anxiety)

imo the dyslexia test is pretty easy to fake, even with a psychologist doing it, just need to do your research...

What percentage of people who receive this money actually use it for educational purposes though? I highly doubt it's a high proportion. It's more likely to go on food than anything else.

You'd be surprised how much constant taunts can lower a person's mood to the point where your learning is affected due to mental stress or whatever. I personally don't see me having these jibes as a detriment to my learning or whatever but some people get really worked up over constant things said about them, to the point of depression. Depression would affect someone's learning abilities.

What? Several cognitive tests are easy to fake?

Hahaha. Sounds like you've been told random info from someone and just taken it on.

There are probably certain aspects of it you could fake(poor memory), but dyslexia also means you do well in the cognitive test in certain areas other people do not. So, if you were non dyslexic, you'd have a hard time faking the parts you'd not be good at .