Read the actions
Separate what has been recommended from who needs to arrange it.
DSA NEXT STEPS
After Your DSA Report
A DSA report or entitlement letter can feel like a lot to take in. It may name tools, support hours, suppliers and next steps.
This guide explains how to move from recommendations to support that feels usable in everyday study.
Read the actions
Separate what has been recommended from who needs to arrange it.
Book early
Training and support are easier to use before deadlines build up.
Ask questions
If something is unclear, contact the supplier, funding body or university disability team.
Start here
Start with this
Book early
Training and support are easier to use before deadlines build up.
Ask questions
If something is unclear, contact the supplier, funding body or university disability team.
First steps
Turn the report into a simple action plan
Start by reading the report and entitlement letter slowly. Look for what has been approved, who supplies it and whether the student needs to contact anyone.
If assistive software or equipment has been recommended, do not assume the tool will be useful straight away. It may need set-up, training and practice.
The DSA Assistive Technology Training guide explains how training can help students use recommended tools in real study tasks.
| Recommendation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Assistive software | Check supplier instructions and book training if approved. |
| Study skills support | Contact the provider and agree practical goals. |
| Specialist mentoring | Arrange sessions and discuss routines, confidence and wellbeing. |
| Equipment | Follow the supplier process and do not buy items unless told to. |
Joined-up support
Make sure support fits the student, not the other way round
A student may have several types of support at once. It helps when everyone understands the main goals and avoids giving conflicting advice.
For example, study skills support might help with planning an essay, while AT training shows how software can support reading, outlining or proofreading.
The university disability team can also explain how DSA support connects with university adjustments, deadlines, placements or assessment arrangements.
Practical checks
- Keep a short list of active support contacts.
- Write down what each support route is helping with.
- Review whether support is making study easier.
- Ask for help early if a recommendation is not working.
After recommendations
Need help using what has been recommended?
CAM can support students with assistive technology training, study skills, mentoring and practical follow-through after a DSA report.
Useful connected guidance
These pages give more context and connect this guide to practical support.
Assistive Technology TrainingPractical training for DSA-recommended software and study tools.Open guidanceSpecialist MentoringOne-to-one support with routines, confidence and study-related wellbeing.Open guidanceStudy Skills SupportStrategy-based support for planning, writing and independent study.Open guidance
Related insight articles
Further reading from Calling All Minds on this topic.
Questions people often ask
Short answers, written in plain language.
Should I buy equipment before DSA confirms it?
GOV.UK advises students not to buy equipment before assessment because they may not be reimbursed.
What if I do not understand the report?
Ask the supplier, funding body or university disability team for clarification. It is okay to ask for the next step to be explained simply.
Can support be reviewed?
If support is not working, speak to the relevant provider or disability team. Support should be practical and usable.