It is not a test
The assessment is there to understand study needs and recommend practical support.
DSA ASSESSMENT
DSA Needs Assessment Guide
A DSA needs assessment is a supportive conversation about study barriers, not a test of ability or effort.
The assessor looks at how the course works, what the student finds difficult, and what equipment, training or study support may help.
It is not a test
The assessment is there to understand study needs and recommend practical support.
Context matters
Recommendations should fit the course, placements, study tasks and personal preferences.
Next steps matter
The report is only useful when students know how to take up the support.
Start here
Start with this
Context matters
Recommendations should fit the course, placements, study tasks and personal preferences.
Next steps matter
The report is only useful when students know how to take up the support.
Before the meeting
How to prepare without overthinking it
It can help to think about the tasks that take the most energy: reading, writing, planning, remembering deadlines, attending lectures, managing placements, or using online learning systems.
Students do not need perfect answers. A few examples of what feels difficult, what has helped before, and what support they would like to explore can be enough.
The AT Guide resource can help students understand the kinds of tools that may be discussed, but equipment should not be bought before the DSA process confirms what is agreed.
| Study area | Helpful examples to mention |
|---|---|
| Reading | Long articles, scanning text, fatigue, concentration or understanding dense materials. |
| Writing | Starting assignments, structure, proofreading, spelling, typing or organising ideas. |
| Lectures | Note-taking, recording, processing information or keeping up with slides. |
| Planning | Deadlines, routines, task breakdown, transitions or remembering next steps. |
After the meeting
The assessment report should lead to clear action
After the assessment, students should receive a report with recommendations and an entitlement letter explaining what support has been agreed.
The next step may be arranging equipment, booking assistive technology training, contacting a mentoring or study skills provider, or speaking with the university disability team.
A good outcome is not just a list of tools. It is a support plan that the student can understand and use.
Practical checks
- Read the report slowly and highlight actions.
- Check who needs to arrange each item.
- Book training before deadlines build up.
- Ask for clarification if a recommendation is unclear.
After assessment
Need help after your assessment?
CAM can help students make sense of recommended software, study strategies, mentoring and practical next steps.
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.
What should I bring to a DSA needs assessment?
Bring any information you already have about your course, disability or learning needs, plus examples of study tasks that feel difficult. You do not need to have everything perfectly prepared.
Can the assessment be remote?
GOV.UK explains that DSA needs assessments can be in person or remote.
Will I get a report?
Yes. GOV.UK explains that students receive a report with recommendations after the assessment.