Skip to Content

DSA Equipment & Support Guide

DSA Equipment & Support Guide

The Needs Assessment Centre at Queen’s assists students to apply for the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) or similar award by offering advice, guidance and support through the facilitation of individually tailored needs assessments. The DSA application form and other student finance forms may be found using SFNI's Form Finder.

The assessments are designed to help students determine the best possible solutions to assist with overcoming study-related difficulties experienced as a result of a disability, long-term condition / impairment, mental health condition or learning difficulty.

The recommendations made during the assessment may include equipment, software and one-to-one (ie person-to-person) support.  Any one-to-one support that is recommended is implemented and managed by the Register of Support Providers at Queen’s. For further details, please see the Students’ Guide to One-to-One Support.

 

What is the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)?

If you are resident in the UK, as a student with a disability or long-term condition, you may be entitled to apply for the Disabled Student Allowance. 

The DSA grant award aims to ‘level the playing field’ between disabled students and their non-disabled peers by covering any extra study-related costs incurred through a disability, long-term condition / impairment, mental health condition or learning difficulty.  The award, which is not means tested, is made up of four parts:

  1. Specialist equipment allowance– to purchase items required to better support access to learning and teaching eg assistive technology (AT) software, hardware such as a laptop to support the aforementioned AT, digital voice recorder, ergonomic chair etc.
  2. Non-medical helper allowance– to cover the costs of one-to-one academic support (eg Note Takers, Dyslexia Tutor, Mental Health Tutor, Campus Assistant, Proof Reader, Library Assistant, Typist etc).
  3. General allowance– an annual payment of £150 to cover other disability-related expenses such as additional photocopying and printing costs.
  4. Travel allowance– to cover the difference between everyday travel costs you would normally have and any additional expenditure incurred as a result of a disability (eg the cost of travel to University by taxi instead of public transport).

 

Laptops / Printers

If you do not have sole access to a fully functioning PC/laptop to run the recommended assistive software, a laptop or desktop PC and a multi-function printer can be funded through the DSA award if required. 

ALL equipment and software is yours to keep when you graduate!!!! 

 

Individual Support Packages

Your support package will depend on your individual needs, preferences and course demands. Your Needs Assessor will help you identify the solution / combination of solutions that best fit with your personal requirements. 

The below list outlines examples of the typical support recommendations made during a needs assessment. 

There is a lot of support available so make sure you scroll right down until you come to your particular condition/disability.

 

*Please note that the allowances are administered by relevant funder - recipients do not receive cash sums.

 

Typical Support Recommendations

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia

  • TextHelp Read and Write Gold Software

    Main Functions

    Supports students with reading and writing difficulties via discreet integrated literacy support and text-to-speech software.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Text-to-speech conversion -  highlighting assists students with cognitive difficulties by providing auditory support and reading material out aloud.
    • Check It - is a phonetic spell checker that helps to solve spelling and grammar mistakes to improve the quality and accuracy of a written piece of work.
    • Prediction - supports with the construction of contextually correct sentences.
    • Screen masking - can be used to alter screen views / colours and make reading from the screen easier by providing a helpful screen tint.
    • Dictionaries - dictionary definitions, which the software can read aloud, helps students to quickly look up / listen to the meaning of a word.
    • Highlighters – a useful research tool allowing students to collect and collate information from the internet and other documents which automatically creates a bibliography as material is gathered together.
    • Scan - allows students to convert inaccessible documents (eg electronic journals) to an accessible format.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • EquatIO Software

    Main Functions

    Creates mathematical and scientific equations, formulas, graphs, geometric shapes and more on any device.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Maths-to-speech - when used in conjunction with with Read & Write, students can have maths problems read aloud to them.
    • Prediction - EquatIO’s built-in maths prediction helps students to build complex maths and science notations by typing in simple English.
    • EquatIO Mobile - EquatIO Mobile allows students to convert handwritten or text book maths images into accessible documents.
    • Screenshot Reader - EquatIO’s screenshot reader allows students to read and understand inaccessible documents like PDFs by reading them aloud.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • ClaroRead Software

    Main Functions

    Support with reading and writing difficulties.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • ClaroView - provides a colour 'overlay' on the screen. When ClaroView is running, the student can choose from a number of overlay colours and select the one that best suits their needs to make reading easier.
    • ClaroCapture - a study skills tool which captures text, images, files and areas of the screen from a number of sources then exports to Word, PowerPoint or the clipboard.
    • ScreenRuler – the Screen Ruler function provides an on-screen ruler which tracks the mouse pointer and helps the student focus on a particular area of the screen at any one time.
    • ClaroIdeas - an easy-to-use tool to support the creation and editing of concept or idea / mind maps using visual and audio components.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) Hardware / Sonocent Audio Notetaker Software

    Main Functions

    An Olympus Digital Voice Recorder and directional microphone enable you to make a recording that can be uploaded to a computer. A directional microphone ensures a high sound quality recording.

    Supports notetaking by make recordings of lectures and seminars for students with slow speed of writing or typing; difficulty in listening and writing or typing at the same time; weakness in spelling; weakness in working memory.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Record & highlight live in class.
    • Add textual and visual cues.
    • Clean up background noise from originally recordings.
    • Break audio down into Sections and colour code content.
    • Import lecture slides and write up text notes.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Medincle Software

    Main Functions

    Supports students with using biomedical terminology who experience difficulties with the writing, spelling and pronunciation of specific course-related terminology.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Medincle AT Complete - is a single tool that augments all of the most popular pieces of assistive software to enable accurate British biomedical spellchecking, mind-mapping, word-prediction and dictation. 

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • MindView Software

    Main Functions

    Mind mapping software that supports students who experience difficulties with the planning, organisation and time management of study-related activities such as working towards particular goals and meeting specific deadlines.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Transfers ideas into an electronic mind map quickly and visually.
    • Supports with organising, structuring and customizing your thoughts.
    • Add notes and hyperlinks to mind maps to support with collation of information / research.
    • Produce Gantt charts and  timelines for revision of content.
    • Stimulate visual memory with images to support with the revision of topics.
    • Export mind maps to MS Word and MS PowerPoint for the creation of documents and presentations.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Dragon Dictation Professional Software

    Main Functions

    Speech recognition software that transcribes the spoken word into text, saving students time and improving accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Transcribes ideas into text quickly and with greater accuracy.
    • Improves a student’s ability to produce written work that is more reflective of their actual ability.
    • Reduces the need to type allowing the student to concentrate on the content of the material going into the assignment.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Smart Notetaking Pen

    Main Functions

    Note taking solution.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Captures everything you can hear, write and draw - handwritten notes can be instantly captured and effortlessly digitized.
    • Save, organise and search the play-back from any point in your notes.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Glean Software

    Main Functions

    A simpler version of Sonocent, Glean is a web-based tool that students can use online or offline to create meaningful notes with minimum effort.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Capture everything - combine audio, slides and your own text notes in one place.
    • Learn online or in-person- take valuable notes from a lecturer speaking in class or on video.
    • React in real time - focus on active listening by highlighting particular moments in the subject area with Quick Labels.
    • Review at your own pace - come back and review lecture material whenever you need to as it works offline too.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Aspire Software and App

    Main Functions

    Study skills, mental health and wellbeing support, assistive technologies and software guidance, career-related learning.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Writing and presentation skills e.g. guidance on spelling, grammar, essay formulation, proof reading.
    • Library of detailed resources for all assignment options.
    • Simple and easy to use reference builder tool.
    • Unlimited access to allocated assistive technology videos.
    • Information processing - allows for listening and writing at the same time for students with attention and concentration difficulties.               
    • Voiceovers and closed captioning available on all videos.
    • Top studying techniques including Pomodoro and Cornell.
    • ‘How to’ videos on how to best use AT by the technology suppliers.
    • Makes learning materials accessible by allowing students to change background colour, format, font etc. plus customisable subtitles that can be read using assistive technology.
    • Adaptable backgrounds, fonts and RGB (red, green and blue) colour picker.  Full use of BrowseAloud that adds text-to-speech functionality to web sites to allow for web pages to be read out aloud.
    • Full use of BrowseAloud for webpage read-back.
    • Time management and organisational skills – supports students with difficulties planning and organising tasks, meeting deadlines etc.           
    • Calendar and tasks lists that easily link with your device.
    • Organisation strategies and tips from tutors / students and various downloadable planning activities.
    • Learning style identifier – identifies your learning style preferences e.g. reflector, theorist, pragmatist, activist etc along with quizzes, explanations and resources for supporting your individual learning style.
    • Customisable accessibility options including captions and backgrounds as well as full access to BrowseAloud. Video captions easily readable through AT and BrowseAloud.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Caption.Ed

    Main Functions

    Caption.Ed provides students with the ability to caption any media and live lectures on their Mac or Windows computer. Be it a virtual lecture, study materials or a Zoom call with their tutor.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • High quality automatic captions for any live or pre-recorded media and can be used in face-to-face lectures.
    • Captions will provide the student with a medium in which they can better process the information
    • Captions also remain on screen and are transcribed beyond the moment of the spoken audio and allow the student to compensate for any lapses in concentration by retaining the context of what is being said which assists overall comprehension of the information.
    • Supports self directed learning, and online study research during their course on platforms that either not provide captions, or don't provide accurate automatic captions

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Light Key

    Main Functions

    Lightkey is a software that provides students with intelligent text prediction.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Offers intelligent word predictions. It is intuitive in that it learns from what you type into it.
    • Predicts commonly typed phrases. This software supports users that struggle with spelling and those that struggle with the time it takes to produce essays.
    • The student is always in control of their work and they make an active decision whether to use the predicted word rather than having it changed for them.
    • Improves written expression as whole phrases can be predicted
    • Improved vocabulary in student’s essays
    • Reduce the number of errors within work
    • Speeds up the time it takes to produce work
    • Less chance of losing train of thought

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Talk Type Dictation software (for MAC)

    Main Functions

    TalkType Dictation Education provides off-line dictation and voice activated computer control for students using Apple Mac computers.

    • For students with SpLds it can support with the following:
    • Slowness of writing speed or typing
    • Weakness in spelling or grammar
    • Difficulties converting thoughts to writing
    • Deficit in concentration

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Dictate into any application with enhanced support for a range of applications such as MS Office, iWork, Google Chrome, Mail, Safari and lots more.
    • High level of accuracy and specific assistive technology integrations for the DSA.
    • No time limits or caps on continuous dictation (as is the case with in-built Mac dictation).
    • Stand-alone application that works offline – no internet connection necessary

    See it in action or trial it now for free

     

  • Present Pal

    Main Functions

    Present Pal is a working memory aid to improve communication and presentation skills. The tool allows students to create accessible flashcards, rehearse their content and confidently deliver on the day. The app is compatible with iOS and Android. It also integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Reduces visual stress of handwritten notes
    • Personalise - autonomy over overlays and accessible fonts
    • Improved readability and confidence
    • Linear focus - aids working memory - pick up where left off, anticipate what is coming next
    • Key Bullets - Encourages organising content in a clear and concise manner Linear Focus - If distracted, can easily pick up where left off
    • Rehearsal - Build confidence with content, self-assessment
    • Rehearsal - Verbal fluency improved

    See it in action or trial it now for free

Mental Health conditions e.g. OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD / ADD, bipolar disorder, working memory difficulties.

Autistic Spectrum Condition / Asperger’s Syndrome.

  • One-to-One Support

    One-to-One Support

    • Academic Mental Health Tutor
    • Autistic Spectrum Disorder Tutor
    • Study Skills Tutor
    • Note Taker
    • Campus Assistant
    • Exam Prompter
    • Exam Reader
    • Exam Scribe

    For further information see: Queen’s Student Guide to One-to-One Support

  • TextHelp Read and Write Software

    Main Functions

    Supports with reading and writing difficulties caused by fatigue, poor concentration and difficulties with working / short term memory.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Text-to-speech facility with highlighting assists students with cognitive difficulties by providing auditory support.
    • Highlighters - a useful research tool allowing students to collect and collate information from the internet and other documents which then automatically creates a bibliography upon collection.
    • Scan - allows students to convert inaccessible documents (e.g. electronic journals) to an accessible format.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Global Tasks Software

    Main Functions

    A task management solution that reduces stress and helps students stay on top of their work.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • A ‘Visual overview’ instead of long lists helps reduce reliance on working memory and reading.
    • Students can hide tasks and projects to improve focus on more immediate goals and help reduce levels of stress.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Brain in Hand Software

    Main Functions

    A professional digital support system accessed via smartphone to support students with memory deficits, difficulties with anxiety or impairments to their executive functioning that make it difficult to pay attention, follow directions, manage emotions, plan ahead, prioritise, self-monitor and focus on task completion.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Manage and organise your time, identify situations that you find difficult and plan strategies in advance via your Brain in Hand website
    • Access pre-planned solutions via the Brain in Hand app, wherever and whenever to keep learning on track
    • Monitor progress and manage anxiety by recording the situations you find challenging and identify which solutions to use via the Traffic Lights system.
    • Highlight a specific difficulty or request help with a particular situation / scenario.
    • Reminders about goals to help with anxiety management.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Present Pal Software

    Main Functions

    Present Pal is a presentation support software that acts like a set of interactive flashcards on a smartphone/tablet which integrates fully with Microsoft PowerPoint.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • This software works like a set of accessible flashcards and integrates with PowerPoint to allow the student to fully control their PowerPoint presentation.
    • 3-5 bullet points to exaggerate key trigger words.
    • Enhanced readability through line focus scrolling.
    • Safety net feature allows students to store extra information and images to jog memory.
    • Personalised colour overlays to eliminate visual stress.
    • Also uses text-to-speech technology as part of the audio cues function. 

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • MindView Software

    Main Functions

    Mind mapping software that supports students who experience difficulties with the planning, organisation and time management of study-related activities such as working towards particular goals and meeting specific deadlines.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Transfers ideas into an electronic mind map quickly and visually.
    • Supports with organising, structuring and customizing your thoughts.
    • Add notes and hyperlinks to mind maps to support with collation of information / research.
    • Produce Gantt charts and  timelines for revision of content.
    • Stimulate visual memory with images to support with the revision of topics.
    • Export mind maps to MS Word and MS PowerPoint for the creation of documents and presentations.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Smart Notetaking Pen

    Main Functions

    Note taking solution.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Captures everything you can hear, write and draw - handwritten notes can be instantly captured and effortlessly digitized.
    • Save, organise and search the play-back from any point in your notes.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Aspire Software and App

    Main Functions

    Study skills support, mental health and wellbeing advice, career-related learning, assistive technologies and software advice.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Communication and language skills development e.g. how to approach difficulties working in groups, delivering presentations, explaining literal understanding vs metaphors.     
    • Library of detailed resources for all assignment options and support videos on common study techniques.
    • Detailed study skills category on the fundamentals of how to work effectively in groups.
    • Time management and organisational skills e.g. to support with over-preparedness, lack balance in studies vs home life, over-focussing on preferred topics.         
    • Calendar with tasks that easily link with the student’s device to support with working to and meeting deadlines.
    • Organisation strategies and tips from tutors and students.
    • Various downloadable planning activities to support with memory difficulties e.g how to retain information more effectively.               
    • Regularly updated video library that student can refer back to at any time including on how to use their AT.
    • Recommended study techniques depending on the student’s identified learning style and learning style tips.
    • Transitions support e.g. managing and adapting to change, speaking to university staff about adaptations, meeting new people, being independent, managing a larger workload and ‘Take 5’ steps to wellbeing.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

Visual Impairment

  • One-to-One Support

    One-to-One Support

    • Note Taker
    • Reader
    • Exam Reader / Exam Scribe
    • Library Assistant
    • Audio Typist
    • Campus Assistant

     For further information see: Queen’s Student Guide to One-to-One Support

  • Zoom Text Software

    Main Functions

    Screen magnification tools for enlarging and enhancing everything on your computer screen plus a user-friendly set of screen and document reading tools tailored for low vision users.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Zoom Text magnifier/reader enables users to see and hear what they are doing in all PC applications.
    • Zoom Text is able to read documents, web pages and email which the user is then able to listen to using headphones or the computer's speakers. 

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

    Main Functions

    A screen reader that allows users to read the screen with text-to-speech output or through a refreshable braille display.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • JAWS provides multi-screen support, allows for speech-based installation and integration with Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer and Firefox.
    • JAWS has both touch screen and gesture support and allows users access to the text of PDF documents through an OCR (optical character reader) feature.  It is compatible with screen magnification software and allows for the conversion of print documents and graphics-based text to electronic format.

Hearing Impairment

  • One-to-One Support

    One-to-One Support

    • Note Taker
    • Study Skills Tutor

    For further information see: Queen’s Student Guide to One-to-One Support

  • Roger Pen

    Main Functions

    A pen-style all-inclusive wireless microphone that offers additional support in loud background noise conditions and over distance.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Its portable design means it can be conveniently used where additional support is needed over distance and against loud background noise.
    • It can also transmit the sound of multimedia devices, TV and ‘phone calls.
    • Compatibility - regardless of what hearing aid or cochlear implant used, there will be a compatible Roger receiver available.
    • Hearing aid users understand almost 10 times better with Roger technology in noise and over distance than people with normal hearing.
  • Pro Study Software

    Main Functions

    Pro-Study is a study aid tool that collects and organises your research, text, graphs and images in a single click and stores it all in a dedicated database that is easily accessible

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Create a project, break it up into colour-coded categories, and begin adding your research and other important information from multiple sources using the easy one-click save system. The sources for your information can be websites, text books, PDFs and word documents.
    • Use your webcam to capture information from textbooks and use the webcam again to scan barcodes to automatically capture reference information.
    • If online text cannot be selected, Pro-Study has a powerful OCR (optical character reader) feature that makes inaccessible text accessible, a very useful tool for students accessing online books and other materials.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Dragon Professional Software

    Main Functions

    Speech recognition software that transcribes the spoken word into text, saving you time and improving accuracy.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Transcribes your ideas into text faster and with greater accuracy.
    • Improves your ability to produce written work that is more reflective of your ability.
    • Reduces the need to type and allows you to concentrate more on pulling content together.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

Long term illness/condition e.g. Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, cancer, heart condition, scoliosis, fibromyalgia.

Physical/mobility difficulties e.g. cerebral palsy, hyper mobility syndrome, scoliosis.

  • One-to-One Support

    One-to-One Support

    • Note Taker
    • Campus Assistant
    • Exam Scribe
    • Typist / Audio Typist
    • Library Assistant

    For further information see: Queen’s Student Guide to One-to-One Support

  • Sonocent Software

    Main Functions

    Supports note taking for students with slow writing / typing speeds or difficulties with listening and writing / typing at the same time or students with weaknesses in their working memory by making recordings of lectures and seminars.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Record and highlight live in class.
    • Add textual and visual cues.
    • Clean up background noise from originally recordings
    • Break audio down into sections and colour code content
    • Import lecture slides and write up text notes

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Glean Software

    Main Functions

    A web-based tool that students can use online or offline to create meaningful notes with minimum effort.

    Benefits of using the Software

    • Capture everything - combine audio recordings and PowerPoint presentation slides with your own text notes all in one place.
    • Learn online or in-person - take valuable notes from a lecturer speaking in class or on video.
    • React in real time – allows students to focus on active listening by highlighting areas / topics of interest with the Quick Labels function.
    • Review at your own pace - come back and review whenever you need to as it works offline too.

    See it in action or trial it now for free

  • Ergonomic Equipment

    Ergonomic Equipment

    Ergonomic Furniture such as tables and chairs which are height adjustable to suit the specific posture and support needs of individuals to enable them to operate a computer and study for longer periods of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Close Menu - Off Canvas