Organise your support
If you have an autistic spectrum disorder support is available for you, while you are studying at the University of Derby, from the Student Wellbeing Service. Starting at University is a major change. It can mean moving away from familiar surroundings and people. The environment at University can be noisy, busy and crowded. There are lots of new things to get used to in a short space of time. But with the correct support in place you can be successful.
Students at the University have said they find it useful to have support around a number of areas such as:
- Living with other people and learning to meet new people.
- Understanding time tables as well as finding their way around a large campus.
- Managing placements/Exams/Presentations.
These are just examples and each student will want to adapt their support according to their individual need.
To organise your support please follow the step by step guide below.
» Step 1
Funding for your support
You may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to pay your support.
You can apply to Student Finance England for DSA or if you are an NHS bursary student to the NHS.
If you have any queries about where you should apply please contact us.
It is important to send acceptable evidence with your DSA form, such as
- A recent Doctor's letter/hospital report
- A psychologist's report
If you are unsure whether the evidence you have is acceptable, please contact us for advice.
DSA Study Needs Assessment
When your eligibility for DSA has been confirmed, you will receive a letter asking you to have a DSA Study Needs Assessment. The assessor will discuss with you how your studies can be made more accessible to you and will identify the support and equipment you need.
The University of Derby has an accredited Assessment Centre and we can arrange for you to have a Study Needs Assessment with us here at Derby. It's a good idea to have your assessment before your course starts because this means that your support should be in place when you begin your studies. We're open throughout the year, including the summer. If you do want your assessment at Derby please send us a copy of the letter which gives permission for you to book this assessment.
After the assessment recommendations are made to your funding body who will write to you to confirm what they will fund. We can help you to put the agreed support in place.
» Step 2
To help us arrange your support (including support in halls) please download and complete the Return Form below along with evidence of your disability e.g. doctor's letter, psycholgist's report.
You can email the form and your evidence to studentwellbeing@derby.ac.uk or post it to
Pre-Entry Team, Student Wellbeing Service, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB
Return Sheet (173kb)
» Step 3
If you have specific concerns about the support you will require or if you need advice about moving support from your local social services to Derby please contact us at studentwellbeing@derby.ac.uk
