Changes to the Disabled Students Allowance will enable Scottish students with disabilities to access extra support more quickly, Education and Lifelong Learning Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop said today.
Speaking as she opened the refurbished High Mill building at the Heriot Watt University Scottish Borders Campus at Galashiels Hyslop said that improving access to education is a “key commitment” of the Scottish Government.
She continued: "Access will be further improved more widely with the announcement today that we are increasing the threshold on the non-medical personal helpers allowance by 60 per cent.
"Alongside that, Borders College and Heriot Watt University have been piloting a validation scheme which will allow students with disabilities to have their needs assessed and consequently their allowance paid, more quickly.
"Both of these moves will make a significant difference to the educational experience of many students with disabilities studying at Scotland's colleges and universities."
Carla McLean, Disabled Students' Officer, NUS Scotland called the announcement a “positive step towards removing financial barriers for disabled students.”
She added: "The 60 per cent increase to non medical personal help funding will benefit those students who have, in the past, been unable to get the assistance they need because of lack of financial support. I welcome this move as a step towards achieving equality of access for disabled students."
One person has commented on this article. 1. Additional help for students with disabilities announced
Anonymous, Unregistered Should help those with hidden disabilities such as ASD-autism spectrum. Policy is usually good but in my experience it is how people see their definitions fit the policy, that matters at the door with the 'keyholders'.
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