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Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 April 2020. It was answered by Michelle Donelan (Conservative) on Monday, 27 April 2020 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Students: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the (a) employment opportunities for disabled students and (b) ability of disabled students to pay the required £200 contribution towards the cost of assistive technology via the disabled students' allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) provide for the additional costs that disabled students may face in higher education because of their disability. A basic computer is a mainstream cost of study and students are therefore expected to make a £200 contribution towards the cost of any computer recommended as part of their needs assessment. The contribution is for computer hardware only; students are not expected to fund recommended specialist software or training in how to use it.

There are currently no plans to suspend the requirement for disabled students to contribute £200 towards the purchase of a computer.

The department has not received any representations from disabled students on access to assistive technology through DSA support in relation to the economic effect of the Covid-19 outbreak.

It is too early to assess the effect of the Covid-19 outbreak on the employment opportunities for disabled students.

These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
37452
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disability Costs Employment Technology Students Disabled students' allowances Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk