access to work: compare to dsa sue mckenna learning differences centre [email protected]
TRANSCRIPT
Access to Work: Compare to DSA
Sue McKenna
Learning Differences Centre
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
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.
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.
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
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:
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
Compare DSA & A2W
What are the similarities and differences
Review Points 1-20
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
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?
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
References AtW
AtW: Three regional centres: London, Cardiff or Glasgow.
London (SE England, London and East of England)
Tel 020 8426 3110 Email: [email protected]
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347