The Assessment Centre on Teesside (ACT) supports disabled applicants and current students who are studying in higher education, either in a university or college. You don't have to be a student at Teesside University, we welcome students from all institutions.
Before contacting us you will need to apply to your funding body for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs). Once approved your funding body will write to you and ask you to book a Study Needs Assessment. Please get in touch with us when you have received this letter.
If you haven't applied for DSAs yet please contact your disability adviser who will help you do this.
Our experienced staff can assess your individual support needs and provide confidential advice and recommendations on a range of support services and technology which will benefit you throughout your course.
We provide a service to students who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, wheelchair-users or people with mobility difficulties, have long term medical conditions, autistic spectrum disorders, mental health conditions and people with specific learning difficulties (for example, dyslexia). This is not an exhaustive list.
Thank you for your help at a stressful time - you made an assessment a pleasant experience. I would highly recommend your service
We can arrange for you to have a meeting with an assessor to discuss your preferred way of accessing all study activities, such as reading, note taking, library/research, organisation, time management, producing assignments, practical/lab work, group work, field trips, placements. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and won't be asked to sit any tests.
Following the meeting your assessor writes a report which outlines the strategies recommended to assist you in accessing your studies, such as equipment, software and non medical helper assistance and any other disability related needs that you may have whilst studying, including transport.
The Assessment Centre on Teesside is now offering face to face (in person) and remote (Teams) assessments
Please email us at act@tees.ac.uk if you would like to book an appointment or have any questions.
How do I arrange an appointment?
The Assessment Centre on Teesside is based in the Student Life Building at Teesside University.
Contact us to arrange an appointment for a needs assessment meeting. You can call between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday.
T: 01642 738721
E:
act@tees.ac.uk
Let us know if you have any additional requirements to attend this meeting such as sign language interpreter/communication support worker or one-to-one assistance. You can bring someone along with you if it makes you feel more comfortable.
An appointment is usually available within 5 working days. We always endeavour to offer Needs Assessment appointments within 15 working days but at times of peak demand the wait may be longer in which case we will advise you which other Assessment Centres might have a shorter wait time.
Following your appointment you will receive your needs assessment report within 10 working days. Current waiting time for an appointment: 5 working days.
You can use ACT no matter where you have applied to study. You can choose the closest centre depending on where you live.
Find a Disabled Students' Allowances assessment centre
What information do I need to provide when arranging an appointment with ACT?
When booking an appointment for a Needs Assessment, we need:
- to gain information about your course. With your permission we may contact your Course Leader/institution to ask them about teaching and learning methods and the types of assessment that you will undertake
- evidence from your funding body that you are eligible to DSAs and can arrange a needs assessment appointment - they usually send a letter asking you to book an appointment and we need a copy of this letter
- information from you, including your contact details, the nature of your disability and any assistance required to attend your appointment. Please complete our pre-assessment form and return to act@tees.ac.uk
- evidence of your disability - we need a copy of the evidence you sent to your funding body when you applied for DSAs. If you have more than one medical condition/disability you will need to provide evidence for each one.
For specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia
An up to date diagnostic report is required, for example, from a psychologist. For more information contact your funding body or a disability adviser at your college or university. Evidence required should adhere to the
SpLD Working Group 2005/DfES Guidelines. You may wish to make your psychologist aware of this document if you are being assessed/reassessed.
For other conditions/disabilities
A letter from your GP, specialist or consultant. The letter needs to outline the nature of your condition and needs to clearly indicate that your condition is long term and has a substantial impact on your day to day activities.
Assessment Fee
The cost of the DSA Assessment is taken from your DSA Funding. ACT will only charge your funding body a single assessment fee, that covers all work required for the duration of your course of study. This includes a review if you have any additional needs or have another condition diagnosed. If proceeding to a Postgraduate/PGCE programme you may be eligible for an additional formal review of your needs, funded through the Postgraduate DSA, subject to authorisation from your funding body.
Where can I find you?
The Assessment Centre on Teesside is based in the Student Life Building:
Teesside University
Middlesbrough TS1 3BX
T: 01642 738721
E:
act@tees.ac.uk
If you need a car parking space let us know in advance of your visit or appointment and we will try to arrange a car park space for you.
Already had a meeting? Why don't you give us some feedback?
- Student feedback questionnaire (Word - 115kb)
- Feedback on support strategies (Word - 154kb)
- Supplier and equipment letter and feedback form (Word - 20kb)
Please send responses back by email to act@tees.ac.uk, or post them to The Assessment Centre on Teesside, Student Life Buidling, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX.
Testimonials
The assessor was so friendly and understanding as I find it very hard to discuss my mental health problems and I was initially very worried about my telephone interview. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about what is available to help with my studies and I was so surprised at what help was available to me. The report was exactly as explained.
I usually find assessments stressful but I was very relaxed and put at ease by my assessor who was very understanding and easy to talk to. Her manners and communication skills were excellent.
I found the whole process easy, helpful and informative. I spoke with my assessor over teams and over emails, she was excellent! I felt she really understood my needs and has offered some really helpful recommendations.
My assessor was excellent. All of the information provided, her attitude and tone was lovely. She couldn't have been more delightful. Made me feel at ease and understood.
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