#169: Guidance and Support for University Students with Dyslexia with Michelle Power

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome guest Michelle Power, an expert in the process of obtaining Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Together, they explore the journey of applying for DSA, especially for students with dyslexia. Michelle shares her extensive experience from being an Assistive Technology Officer to a DSA Needs Assessor and discusses the step-by-step process of securing support, the importance of university disability support staff, and how to overcome common barriers in the application process. This comprehensive discussion also covers the needs assessment, the kind of support available, and advice for both students and parents on navigating this crucial aspect of receiving an equitable education.This podcast is sponsored by: Get ivvi notes now: ⁠https://ivvi.app/⁠ Valuable Terms & AcronymsDSA (Disabled Students' Allowance)UK government funding for students with disabilities, including dyslexia.Link: gov.uk Disabled Students' AllowanceNeeds Assessment / Assessment of NeedsThe process to determine what support a student is eligible for under DSA.Reasonable AdjustmentsModifications or support provided by universities (e.g., extra exam time).Assistive TechnologySoftware and hardware to support learning (e.g., mind mapping, text-to-speech).Non-Medical Helper (NMH) SupportHuman support such as study skills tutors or mentors.DSA 1 Letter / DSA 2 LetterOfficial communications confirming eligibility and approved support.Review of NeedsFollow-up assessment if additional needs or evidence arise.HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency)UK body providing statistics on higher education.Link: HESAHEP (Higher Education Provider)Universities or colleges providing higher education.Learner Support FundGovernment fund for apprentices with learning differences.Access to WorkUK government program for workplace disability support.Link: Access to WorkLinks: Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia How to mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia Aventido: https://aventido.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-power-117aa132b Disabled Students' Allowance Application processEligibility and Medical EvidenceDisabled Students Allowance (DSA) WalesNorthern IrelandSAAS funding Scotland - Disabled Students' AllowanceInterested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]