Funding and Payment options

Your Funding Options

Government funding might cover everything – and we encourage you to explore this first.

Students: Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

DSA provides up to £27,783 per year in support for assistive technology, software training, and coaching.

It's designed to help UK students with long-term health conditions or disabilities access the tools they need.

Two Approaches to DSA:

Option 1: The Formal Process
This process typically involves:

  • A medical evidence submission

  • A study needs assessment

  • Allocation of equipment and training
    Universities vary in how they coordinate DSA support, especially when moving from sixth form into higher education.

Important timing note: The full DSA process can take up to 14 weeks from application to training starting. We recommend applying before your course begins to avoid delays.

Option 2: Explore First, Then Apply (A proactive, learner-led route)
Many students now choose to begin with a couple of exploratory sessions before going through the formal process. This is not a second-best option — it’s a chance to take control, gain clarity, and make more informed decisions.

You can:

  • Trial various software programmes

  • Get familiar with strategies that suit your learning or working style

  • Identify areas of strength or challenge you hadn’t yet considered

  • Build a picture of what would be helpful to request during the formal DSA process

This gentler entry point also helps you avoid overwhelm. It gives space to see what’s useful before any pressure is applied — particularly helpful if you have had negative past experiences with disclosure or support systems.

This is about exploring your options, not rushing into a system.

International Students

DSA is only available to UK residents. However:

  • EU students with settled or pre-settled status may be eligible

  • Overseas students should check with their university about hardship funds or national schemes from their home country

  • Some institutions (e.g. Cambridge, Goldsmiths, other Russell Group universities) do make internal provision for AT and coaching support — speak directly with their disability or wellbeing teams

Employees: Access to Work (AtW)

Access to Work is a government scheme that can fund technology, coaching, and workplace training.

Employer Contributions by Company Size:

Employer Size What the Employer Pays What AtW Pays Small (under 50 staff) 20% of costs 80% of all approved costs Medium (50–249 staff) First £500 Then 80% of costs up to £10,000 Large (250+ staff) First £1,000 Then 80% of costs up to £10,000

Up to £69,260 per year is available in funding.

Processing Time: Current applications can take 3–6 months or longer. Some have taken up to 254 working days (almost a year), which can impact job starts or probation periods. Planning ahead is strongly recommended.

Disclosure Consideration – A Personal Choice

Requesting DSA or Access to Work requires disclosing your disability to your university or employer. This process can feel daunting, especially if your previous experiences weren’t positive.

Having 1–2 exploratory sessions first allows you to:

  • Understand what support actually involves

  • Identify tools that feel helpful

  • Prepare emotionally for conversations with funders, tutors, or managers

This gentler introduction to assistive technology and coaching helps reduce anxiety and builds clarity. It’s about developing a sense of agency before you commit to a formalised route.

Why Choose Private Coaching Anyway?

Whether you're a student or employee, private coaching offers:

  • Immediate start (no waitlists)

  • Full confidentiality – no need to disclose unless you wish

  • You choose your trainer

  • Flexible, learner-led scheduling

  • Sessions tailored to your goals, not generic targets

  • A chance to trial software and refine requests before applying for DSA or Access to Work

This isn’t about bypassing a system — it’s about taking time to see what actually works for you.

Missed or Interrupted Training?

If you're unable to attend funded training for reasons outside your control:

  • Access to Work may approve additional sessions

  • Your employer or line manager can also request these

  • Self-employed clients can contact David Manuell Education Support at 📞 07754 016940 for quotes on top-up training packages

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