Cambridge Access Centre - The assessment

You will need written authorization from your funding body (for example Student Finance England) before making an appointment.
It would help us set up a needs assessment quickly if you have some details to hand when you phone. We will need information on the following:
• University: Name of university and name of its Disability Officer
• Course: Title, Length, Year of study
• Funding body: Which one and a contact name
It would help to have your diary and timetable (if available) to hand.

Students are often anxious about the assessment process - please don't be!
It is NOT a test OR an examination. Assessors are trained to put you at your ease, to find out what works for you and what can realistically be provided under the DSA. It is important to remember that the more you engage in the assessment the more you will get out of it. We aim to make the interview a useful, informal and enjoyable experience.

The needs assessment will normally take one and a half to two hours, but an individual’s situation may lengthen the process. It is often a good idea to make a list of all the things you would like to discuss before the assessment so that nothing you are concerned about is missed. Assessments are done on a one-to-one basis, although under extenuating circumstances a third person will be allowed to sit in on the assessment.

There is no set pattern to assessments because individual needs are different, but an assessment is usually divided into two parts. In the first part, the assessor will discuss your particular difficulties and identify useful study strategies to help you deal effectively with the curriculum in light of your disability. You will have the opportunity to discuss any particular difficulties and concerns you have accessing your course. In the second part, the assessor may introduce you to the range of adaptive technology that is relevant to your disability or condition .
Assessments can be carried out at the Access Centre, the student’s home, the student’s university or at any other suitable location.

If you require a draft of your report we will normally send this to you within ten working days, and will process the final report to the funding body immediately (usually same day) on receipt of acceptance of draft.

If you do not require a draft copy of your report, we will endeavour to process your report within the DSA-QAG guidelines of ten working days.

For guidance on any aspect of the assessment process please do not hesitate to contact us.