Access to Work: Compare to DSA

1. Access to Work: Compare to DSA Sue McKenna Learning Differences Centre SM9@soton.ac.uk

2. What we will discuss • What is AtW funding • How does it compare with the familiar stream of funding: DSA • Why do we need to know about AtW funding • Case studies A & B • References and further reading

3. What is Access to Work? ( AtW) • AtW provides funding for people in employment, or just about to start a new job, whose work is affected by a disability. • The disability may not have a big effect on what the applicant can do each day, but may have a long-term effect on how well the applicant can do their job. • The funding is paid in differing proportions, varying from 100% to 50% between AtW and the employer, depending on whether the support is deemed to be disability or employment rated.

4. AtW funding • The grant varies depending on how long the applicant has been employed, what support is needed and whether applicant is self-employed. • Grant covers approved costs of Support Workers, fares to work, equipment that is needed at work and adapting premises to meet applicants needs. • The circumstances and support is reviewed between one and three years.

5. AtW funding • Is not available for the first £300 of approved costs in any 3 years of expenditure. • Is available for all approved costs between £300 and £10,000 over 3 years, meeting up to 80% of them. • All approved costs above that amount will be paid through the programme. • AtW pays all approved costs if applicant is self-employed. • AtW pays 100% of approved costs for Support Workers

6. What is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)? • DSAs are non means tested allowances to help meet any additional costs that have to be paid in attending a course as a result of a disability. • The allowances are not paid to student directly but are used to fund specific support. • There are four allowances. For example the maximum amounts of funding for full time undergraduates in 2009/2010 are:

7. Allowances 2009/10 • Specialist equipment up to £5,161 for entire course- this may be used for items such as IT equipment, software etc. • Non-medical helper up to £20,520 per year- this may be used for individual study skills support, note taking support, mentor support etc. • General Disabled Allowance up to £1,724 per year- may be used for books, photocopying etc. • Travel costs, no limit if required

8. Compare DSA & A2W • What are the similarities and differences • Review Points 1-20

9. Case Study student A & B • Funding stream took a long time to identify • Variations in their service, recommendations and support • All came too late in their course to be of real help • University can claim some funding for study skills delivered • Employer confused and unsure what and how to support • Both students will pursue recommended equipment when degree completed for support in their workplace

10. Why do we need to know about AtW • How will this fund impact upon students? • How will this fund impact upon the University? • How will this fund impact upon the employer? • How is this funding expected to impact upon society?

11. References DSA • DSA: Tel: 0800 731 9133 for copy of Bridging the Gap: A guide to the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs) in Higher Education 2009/2010. • http://www.direct.gov.uk/student finance

12. References AtW • AtW: Three regional centres: London, Cardiff or Glasgow. • London (SE England, London and East of England) • Tel 020 8426 3110 Email: atw-london-region@jobcenbtreplus.gsi.gov.uk • http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347