David Willets, the Minister for Universities and Science, has announced the “modernisation” of the government grant for students with disabilities, the Disabled Students Allowances (DSA). The initial detail of this modernisation is a series of cuts in provision, placing the funding burden on Universities and individual students. We the undersigned believe that these cuts will:
Reduce access to higher education for students with disabilities and dyslexia Reduce successful outcomes with less support meaning lower degree classifications for students who require additional support Reduce the employment prospects for graduates with disabilities and dyslexia Increase the drop out/failure rate in universities amongst disabled and dyslexic students Lead to further inequality within society.
We therefore call on the government to withdraw this policy statement made by the minister, David Willetts.