DSA needs assessment on Monday

My assessment went alright too. Difficult since I felt a bit on edge and had the voices going at some points but I took a friend in and the lady was really nice. I spent the time drawing whilst answering questions, which really helped.

They're giving me so much stuff, it's insane It also made me realise how bad things have been and how ill I am

So I am back. The assessment went really well actually apart form I forgot to mention a few things, which mean I have to email them now to mention what I forgot. The assessor told lead of the conversation with a joke or two here and there, so the whole thing wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He started off asking me some background information like how did I do at school, how did I get on with others etc. And the rest of the assessment was based on difficulities I experience in my daily life as well as college. What kind of help might be helpful etc. He showed me a few software which he is going to recommand, they are those box standard assesstive software like making the computer talk to you, mind map etc. He has also going to recommand a book scanner which means I could scan in the pages and get the computer to read out the text to me. I think it's gonna be great help coz I get so confused reading. So yeah, for those of you have needs assessments for the future, it's nothing to worry about as they know how to make you talk.

What stuff are you getting? And is it the kind of stuff you didn't really realise you needed?

Well if I get everything the assessor is recommending for me, it's something like this:

- Mac book Pro with film editing and music software and Microsoft Office
- Printer
- Scanner
- Note taker
- Mentor
- Taxi and uni travel (one-day travel card) allowance
- Dictaphone

I think I'm getting a photocopying allowance too. Possibly other stuff I can't quite remember as well

I didn't even realise I needed most of that stuff but when she was explaining why she wanted to give it all to me, I saw that it made a lot of sense

Awesome...

I can't quite decide whether it's awesome or embarrassing that I need that much help. I'm trying to go for awesome though

I'm just still in shock really. I didn't expect all that. The lady was really lovely. I think she was quite concerned for me: her main thing seemed to be that I should feel safe at all times

So you didn't get a chair, a footrest, a table, a backpack and whatever else? I still can't understand why my mate got all of those... but anyway I don't care.

And why a taxi if I may ask? I mean I wouldn't want it but just being a tiny bit nosy.

It's pretty awesome that they gave you all of those things to help you!
Did you have to pay for the assessment?

SFE will pay for the assessment, it says on my letter. With my mate, he runs faster than me so I can't see why he would need all those, but hey I guess it depends on the assessor, mine one just got back to me saying there are things they are not allowed to recommand when I know the SFE just disc out to everyone who is entitled to DSA, but then I don't really care too much as I am thankful with the things he has recommanded.

Your source for this ridiculous assertion is?

Having a disability is ridiculous?

Like you say, you don't know people's exact situations. To most people, there's no reason to think I need all the stuff I'm being offered. As I said previously, I was hoping for a printer and a dictaphone.

Since we're having banter anyway, any particular reason why you negged me?

I didn't. Not you anyway. I generally don't like the word ridiculous. And yes, I think having a disability is ridiculous, mine is ridiculous for me anyway. I can't comment on yours of course. Who doens't wanna be bouncing about with no issues whatsoever?

Isn't DSA for study related difficulties? I don't see how counselling relate to it. With my uni for example, anybody could get some counselling just because they feel stressed or their gran just passed away etc. None of these people would be entitled to DSA, does Sussex refuse to offer any help then? This is really unheard of, go you your SU and get them to have a word with the couselling people.

In terms of what am I expecting to get from my DSA, I honestly don't know, what I do know is I still have my 2 penny worth of sane and would probaby turn down some fancy equipment they disc out to everyone; why would I need a computer, a printer, rams of paper, ink etc etc when my normally health classmates need / dont need as much of any of these as I do? The main reason I applied was because I know this way the study support would get the money back for the extra tutorials they give me, they will give me support anyway, but if they can get the money back then even better.

here is a contact for DSA: [email protected]

If you email them with a contact number and ask them to call you back, an assessor will do so. I got hold of a very nice lady and now I have direct access to her which is always handy.

Right off to bed now as appointment is bright and early. Will feedback after that.