The Student Room Group

DSA for Mobility issues

Hi,
I'm currently applying for DSA and I was wondering if anyone with mobility issues could share what they were given/ what costs were covered. I suffer from chronic pain in both of my feet and I struggle to walk for more than 15-20 minutes.
Also, do you think they would cover costs such as my gym membership as I am under an at-home exercise program as part of my treatment - I'm moving into halls and I know my room won't be big enough to do this in. I know that they usually only cover things that affect your education so please let me know xx.

Reply 1

Original post by aneear206
Hi,
I'm currently applying for DSA and I was wondering if anyone with mobility issues could share what they were given/ what costs were covered. I suffer from chronic pain in both of my feet and I struggle to walk for more than 15-20 minutes.
Also, do you think they would cover costs such as my gym membership as I am under an at-home exercise program as part of my treatment - I'm moving into halls and I know my room won't be big enough to do this in. I know that they usually only cover things that affect your education so please let me know xx.

In a word, no, it wouldnt cover gym membership.

If you have medically diagnosed mobility issues, you should apply for PIP and motability (which is more than cars).

DSA may support with transport to and from uni but thats it, because its specifically about being a student and has to be considered against what may be considered normal costs/impositions of being a student.

However, most gyms have onsite gyms that are frequently included in your tuition fees if they are not, many local gyms will offer student discounts and again this is likely considered part of "normal" student life. this can be as low as ÂŁ15 a month or 50p a day

DSA can be a little Off the peg and is not likely to supply you with specific requests if they dont have a provider for it.

Reply 2

Original post by wanga_wanga
In a word, no, it wouldnt cover gym membership.
If you have medically diagnosed mobility issues, you should apply for PIP and motability (which is more than cars).
DSA may support with transport to and from uni but thats it, because its specifically about being a student and has to be considered against what may be considered normal costs/impositions of being a student.
However, most gyms have onsite gyms that are frequently included in your tuition fees if they are not, many local gyms will offer student discounts and again this is likely considered part of "normal" student life. this can be as low as ÂŁ15 a month or 50p a day
DSA can be a little Off the peg and is not likely to supply you with specific requests if they dont have a provider for it.

I was rejected for PIP so that's not an option but thanks for your help

Reply 3

Hi,

In your needs assessment they will go through things that they can help support you whilst your at university. In terms of mobility, they could offer you money for taxis or bus passes, but it will be based on getting from your accommodation to university, and back again. They don’t normally offer support for outside of academic studies, if that makes sense.

Have you appealed your pip decision? I have heard of quite a lot of people wining the appeal, after being denied pip to begin with. Citizens advice are pretty helpful with how the process works https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/your-hearing/

Aside from DSA, have you contacted the university disability or wellbeing team? They also might be able to offer you some advice and guidance on what support you could get whilst at university. Such as getting a LSP put in place.

Good luck and I hope this has helped!

Suzan - Student Ambassador

Reply 4

Original post by aneear206
Hi,
I'm currently applying for DSA and I was wondering if anyone with mobility issues could share what they were given/ what costs were covered. I suffer from chronic pain in both of my feet and I struggle to walk for more than 15-20 minutes.
Also, do you think they would cover costs such as my gym membership as I am under an at-home exercise program as part of my treatment - I'm moving into halls and I know my room won't be big enough to do this in. I know that they usually only cover things that affect your education so please let me know xx.

They will cover ergonomic equipment if you have widespread pain and fatigue but they will not do much if you just can't walk very far without any other things such as pain effecting other areas of your body.

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