The Cambridge Access Centre is an independent centre and although located in Cambridge can offer DSA needs assessments and a range of related services throughout the region. The centre also undertakes DSA assessments for The University of Oxford, and has collaborative agreements with The University of Essex and The University of Bedfordshire.

To arrange your assessment the first step is to get medical evidence of your disability. If you are dyslexic, you will need an Educational Psychologist's Report. You should discuss this with your current educational establishment or your funding body, who will be able to clarify exactly what is needed.

NB: You can only be assessed for disabilities for which proof has been; provided to and accepted by, your funding body. An assessor cannot make recommendations relating to a disability that is disclosed during the assessment.

Once you have your evidence you will need to contact your LEA or funding body to get a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) application pack. Complete this and return it to your funding body with your evidence. Your funding body will assess your application and decide if you are eligible for the DSA. If you are, they will write to you stating that you should get a ‘needs assessment’ done and provide you with a list of ACCESS Centres in order to do this.

This is the point at which you contact the Cambridge ACCESS Centre.