Frequently asked questions

What is an assessment for?

Please see our what happens at an assessment page for more information.

How do I book an assessment?

Please see our how to book an assessment page for more information.

How do I find you and where can I park?

Please our how to find us page for more information.

Who will my assessor be?

You will have the choice whether you would like to see a male or female member of staff. All of our staff have many years of assessing experience along with a wide range of professional expertise and skills. They are professional but friendly and approachable.

What is the assessment room like?

Our assessment rooms are fully equipped with assistive technology and ergonomic equipment to make sure that we are able to demo a trail anything that we may discuss or recommend. We have adjustable lighting, black out blinds and a range of seating to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Each room provides a confidential and appropriate environment for your assessment. 

This is our main assessment room -

Is the assessment centre accessible?

Yes, our assessment room is within Student Services on level 1 of the Edinburgh Building. There is a lift to our floor and there are automatic or push button activated doors throughout the building. We have two accessible toilets on our floor and further facilities are located throughout the building. Please feel free to contact our team if you have any concerns.

What if I need an interpreter?

The team can arrange an interpreter for your assessment. Please make sure to request this when you first contact us to ensure that we are able to arrange a suitable interpreter in advance of your assessment to avoid any delays.

Can I bring someone to the assessment?

Yes, you can bring someone with you to the assessment. However, we usually discourage bringing children to the assessment to avoid any distractions. Please feel free to talk to our team when booking your assessment if you feel you would like to bring someone with you. 

Will it cost me anything?

There is no charge to you for a needs assessment. We will charge your funding body directly.

What if I can’t make my assessment?

If, for any reason, you are unable to attend please make sure you contact us with as much notice as possible to cancel or rearrange. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice and we are unable to offer your appointment to another student your DSA may be charged a missed/cancelled assessment fee.

Do I need to bring anything to the assessment?

No. We ensure that we have sufficient information in advance of your assessment so that the assessor is able to prepare fully and will not require you to bring anything with you.

What happens after my assessment?

Please see our what happens at an assessment page for more information. 

How do I access the support recommended in my Needs Assessment Report?

You will receive written confirmation from your funding body of the support approved. This correspondence will include details of how to set up your support and order any equipment. This can vary depending on your funding body. We will contact you at the same time offering our help and advice. If you are recommended a computer you may be required to pay the first £200 of this yourself, this is paid directly to the supplier of the computer when you arrange your delivery.

What if I think my support needs have changed, I have a new or changed diagnosis or I have changed course or University?

Assessments are fully inclusive and we will charge your funding body a single assessment fee. You can contact us at any point during your study if you have any additional needs, even if you have progressed to a different course or university. We will acknowledge any requests for advice or additional support within 1 working day and respond fully as soon as we can but no longer than 10 working days. 

What do I do if I am having difficulty with any of the support I received as a result of my assessment?

We would advise that you contact the supplier direct in the first instance to resolve any issues however we are always available to assist if needed. Please feel free to contact our team at any point for advice.

What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I have received?

Please contact us the first instance and we will do everything we can to resolve your query. If you are still unhappy you can find our complaints procedures on our Quality Assurance and Complaints Procedure page.