Cuts to the Disabled Students’ Allowance will leave some students “with nothing”, YUSU Welfare Officer George Offer has warned.
In a statement, the students’ union welfare representative expressed deep concern for the future of funding for DSA students – and he blasted the methodology the Universities Minister David Willetts’ used in his decision as “absolute bollocks”.
“His announcement provides an uncomfortable rhetoric that seeks to assure us that those “most in need” will receive help, that support for “the most specialist” help will be provided, and that these cuts “ensure DSAs provide support where it is needed the most”, which only deepens my concern that the great many students who need some support will get none at all,” he said.
“While efforts are refocused on those most in need, most of those in need will be left with nothing.”
Earlier this month, the universities’ boss announced that the non-repayable grants for disabled students to help them through higher education would be slashed in a review of the system that has not been done for 25 years.
Funding will no longer cover computers, warranties or insurances – but those students with complex disabilities will
be protected.
In a statement earlier this month, David Willetts said that he was looking for universities “to play their role” in support for students with mild difficulties.
“The proposals outlined below look to rebalance responsibilities between government funding and institutional support. We will look to HEIs to play their role in supporting students with mild difficulties, as part of their duties to provide reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act,” he said.
“These are partly anticipatory duties and we expect HEIs to introduce changes which can further reduce reliance on DSAs and help mainstream support. We will be consulting with specialists in the sector to ensure that Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) students understand the type of support they can expect to receive and who will provide it.”
Nationally, more than 53,000 undergraduates and postgraduates claimed the cash in 2011 to 2012. The number who do so at York is not known.
At the weekend, the disability and access welfare representative for Vanbrugh College, Naomi Barrow, said the changes could lead to some students dropping out.
“DSA allows disabled students to experience university at the same level as their peers. The support provided by this fund is vital in helping disabled students reach their potential,” she said.
“I worry that without this support, disabled students will be at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers and will not be able to make the most out of their university experience, which could lead to them dropping out.”
Union President Kallum Taylor was disappointed: “This comes back to the same old problem you get with this government; equality of opportunity and access is a given, provided it can be afforded.
“They clearly view DSA as a luxury, which is a disgrace in itself, as these cuts will slam a lot of doors shut in the faces of those who need it… Unless of course individual institutions pick up the cost; which is great, but it’s not sustainable under the current funding system to keep passing on problems to institutions.
“We’ll be getting onto our representatives in Parliament about this to see what they think, and we’ll give our Disabled Students’ Network the firepower and energy they need to spearhead a strong and constructive campaign against these cuts.”
YUSU Disabled Students’ Officer Thomas Ron said: “Disabled Students Allowance has made a big difference and has allowed many students to achieve their potential. I am very confused and extremely concerned that such an allowance would be cut like this. Additionally, the fact that some students may see themselves without assistive technology is frankly alarming.
“For one, if I was told that I had to go through university without assistive technology I would be in serious trouble. For many students computers are not a luxury, they are a necessity, allowing them the ability to perform in university. These cuts are very worrisome.”
A spokesperson for the University said: “We await further developments on the detail of the changes to DSA but our Disability Service is considering the impacts on current and future students.
“Students currently in receipt of DSA at York should be aware of the 60 ‘York Masters Opportunities Scholarships’ which are taught Masters scholarships worth £10,000 each to students liable to pay fees at the home rate entering in 2014. One of the criteria for the scholarships is students who receive DSA.”
Callum Dziedzic told Vision: “They’re using the word “modernisation” to hide the fact they’re making cuts – without my DSA allowances I don’t think I’d be able to live in the halls I’m in now, and it would also have a detrimental effect on my preparation for exams and assessment, if I were to lose my note-taking support and practical enabler for things like filming projects as part of
my course.
“They need to think long and hard about the long term affect this will have on future disabled students’ plans on actually attending university as for some, receiving DSA support will be a complete deal breaker.”
If you have concerns on whether you will be affected by the changes, you can talk to your college welfare team or email Mel Fox in YUSU at [email protected].