Written question asked by Ian Sollom (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Students: Disability Aids

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of cuts to funding for non-specialist software under the Disabled Students’ Allowance on costs for universities to support disabled students.

Answer

The department has not withdrawn funding for assistive technology under the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Students who require assistive software and training due to their disability will continue to receive support through DSA. Universities remain responsible for making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. No new criteria are planned for publication ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.

The department reviewed the provision of non-specialist spelling and grammar software and found that the required functionality to meet students’ disability-related support needs is available through free-to-access software. As a result, the department does not expect that this change will lead to additional costs for universities in supporting disabled students. Therefore, no formal assessment of the impact on university support costs was undertaken.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 71715
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Students: Disability
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; Students: Disability
Friday, 31 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Disability Disability aids Students
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Students: Disability Aids

Secondary information

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