Frequently-Asked Questions

Jane Higgins, Disability Services Administrator
Telephone 01782  734105  support.dds@keele.ac.uk 

What support will I get?

We make support arrangements based on a review of your individual needs. If required, we can make arrangements for an extended library loan and special arrangements for examinations. We will also action any support recommended by your needs assessment if the DSA funding is approved.

What is DSA?

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is funding which is made available to UK students who incur additional costs as the result of a disability. This includes medical conditions and learning difficulties. DSA is divided into three allowances: a specialist equipment allowance, a non-medical helper’s allowance and a general allowance. It is not paid as a set amount and you will be asked to undergo a DSA needs assessment to determine what support you will need and how much it will cost.  Please refer to the ‘Bridging the Gap’ leaflet which is available from your LEA.

Where can I have a needs assessment?

Keele University is a satellite for High Peak nnac Assessment Centre and is able to undertake the needs assessment for you. If you would like us to do this please contact us.  If you prefer to have the assessment carried out at a different centre you can find your nearest approved assessment centre at www.nnac.org

What will the assessment involve?

The assessment usually takes between one and three hours depending on your disability. It is a meeting between you and an assessor to discuss your course, the difficulties you may have and the strategies and support that can be put in place to allow you to fully participate in  mainstream higher education (despite any adverse effects your disability or learning difficulty might have).  These strategies often include assistive technology equipment and specialist support. After the assessment the assessor will produce a written report which will be sent to your SFE for their agreement and, with your permission, Disability Services, so that support arrangements can be made.

Can I wait until I arrive at university before applying for DSA?

You can apply for DSA and have an assessment at any point during your course. However, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible and have your needs assessment at the first opportunity to ensure all support is in place when you arrive. Application forms are usually made available after Easter for the following academic year.

Who is responsible for ordering and paying for my equipment?

When you get a letter from your LEA approving the content of your needs assessment report, they will advise you what to do next. Usually you are responsible for placing the order with the supplier, but SFE will be invoiced directly. If you require any assistance, contact Disability Services;  we will be happy to help.

What  will I  need to provide  as evidence of  my  disability?

Usually students provide a letter from a medical professional or an educational psychologist’s report. You will need to provide evidence of your disability in order to apply for DSA and qualify for support arrangements.

I had a dyslexia assessment some time ago. Will I need another one?

Dyslexia reports should be dated within the last two years, and must have been carried out after you turned 16 years of age.

Where can I get an up-to-date dyslexia report?

We can arrange for an assessment to take place at Keele or you can contact your school/college or contact the Dyslexia Institute who will be able to advise you of your nearest educational psychologist.

Who will pay for the dyslexia report?

You are responsible for obtaining the relevant evidence of your disability. The DSA cannot be used to pay for dyslexia assessments or types of disability diagnoses. Once you are registered as a student at Keele you may be eligible to apply for help with the cost. However, this will involve a delay in your support.

I had special exam arrangements at school/college.  Will I get them at university?

Yes, we can make a variety of special exam arrangements including extra time, rest breaks, formatted papers and the use of a computer or amanuensis. When you arrive please contact disability services to discuss your requirements.

Do I have to declare my disability?

If you do not declare a disability we will be unable to provide you with support?

Will my tutors know about my disability?

Yes, each School has appointed Disability Liaison Officers. In order to provide you with support we notify them of your disability and support needs.

Will I be able to live on campus in my second year?

Yes, if you have a disability-related reason, we can guarantee you on-campus accommodation for the duration of your course.

I find stairs difficult;  can I have a room on the ground floor?

Yes, we will notify accommodation of your needs and they will try to meet them.

I have a medical condition which means I need private bathroom facilities.  Can I have an en-suite room?

Yes, we will notify accommodation of your needs and they will try to meet them.

If I’m taken ill in the night, is there anywhere I can go to get help?

We have a Resident Tutor on duty in each hall of residence from 1700 until 0845 Monday to Thursday and from 1700 on Friday until 0845 on Monday. Resident Tutors are post-graduate students themselves so are well aware or problems which resident students can face.  If they cannot deal with the problem themselves, they will make sure they pass it on to somebody to can.  Security staff are on duty 24-hours a day - so there is always someone you can contact. 

Do I get to meet the Resident Tutors?

Yes – all first years meet the Resident Tutors for a freshers’ interview within the first couple of weeks of the first semester.

Is there anyone on duty in the halls of residence during the day?

Yes, there is a Housekeeper in each hall who is there to provide  pastoral  care  if  required.  If  the  Housekeeper  is concerned for your welfare, she may refer you on to Student Support or Disability Services.

What other support is available?

There are support staff available throughout the day to discuss any welfare, academic and disability issues in the Centre for Learning and Student Support and any calls for the Resident Tutors are transferred to the Centre during the day.  If we can’t solve the problem ourselves, we will be able to direct the student to appropriate agencies.

I have a guide dog, will it be able to stay in halls with me?

Yes, provision can be made for guide dogs within the halls of residence and we will arrange for a pen to be constructed where your dog can go to the toilet.

Supposing I don’t like my room?

You can ask to change your room in Student Accommodation Services, so long as there is somebody to swap with and it is suitable, you will be able to change accommodation.

Can I change my course?

Yes, if there are spaces available on the course and you meet the entry requirements you can change course in the first four weeks of first semester (year one).  It is also sometimes possible to change at the beginning of semester two, or at the end of the first year.  You will need to make an appointment to speak to an Academic Guidance Tutor about this. What happens if I fall behind with my work or find the workload overwhelming?

This is a fairly common problem but the sooner you do something about it the easier it is to sort out.  Again, you should contact Academic Guidance for advice.

 

If I’m taken ill in the night, is there anywhere I can go for help

There is a Resident Tutor on duty in each hall of residence from 1700 until

08.45 Monday to Thursday and from 1700 on Friday until 08.45 on Monday.

Resident Tutors are post-graduate students themselves so are well aware of problems which resident students can face.

If they cannot deal with the problem themselves, they will make sure they pass it on to somebody who can.  Security staff are on duty 24 hours a day – so there is always someone you can contact for help.

Who is on duty in the halls of residence in the day?

Residential Managers:

Paul Connell (Lindsay/Holly X) Hollycross Tel: 34912

Robert Dicker (Barnes) Flat 5 Tel: 34913

Ursula Reeve (Hawthorns) General Block Tel: 34915

Neil Whitehurst  (Horwood) Bungalow 98 Tel: 34914

They are available to provide welfare and pastoral care if required, along with the housekeepers.  If residential staff are concerned for your welfare, they may refer you on to Student Support and Development Services

What other support is available?

There are support staff available throughout the day to discuss any welfare, academic and disability issues in Student Support and Development  Services.  If we cannot solve the problem ourselves, we will be able to direct you to appropriate agencies.

Supposing I don’t like my room?

You can ask to change your room in Accommodation.  So long as there is somebody to swap with and it is suitable, you will be able to change accommodation.

I have a guide dog.  Will it be able to stay with me?

Yes, provision can be made for guide dogs to stay within the halls of residence and we will arrange for a dog run to be constructed.

I find stairs difficult.  Can I have a room on the ground floor?

We will notify Accommodation of your needs and they will try to meet them.

Will I be able to live on campus in my second year?

Yes, if you have a disability-related reason and Keele was your first choice, we can guarantee you 0n-campus accommodation for the duration of your course.

I have a medical condition which means I need private bathroom facilities.  Can I have an en-suite room?

Yes, we will liaise with accommodation and they will try to meet your needs.