0203 861 3460 [email protected]

ABOUT US

When Access2Learn was founded we had one clear mission – to support students in accessing and experiencing an empowered and positive education by providing simple, straightforward and supportive DSA Needs Assessments where the student is always at the heart of what we do.

Avatars of the staff members of Access2Learn, all giving a thumbs up and looking happy

Make Learning Yours

We want our students to reach their goals and unleash their full potential in education. Our brilliant assessor team will always ensure the best available support is recommended.

Simple, Straightforward and Supportive Assessments

Our aim is to make the DSA process as simple and straightforward as possible from the moment you contact us, supporting you through DSA and beyond.

Here for you

Our customers are always at the heart of everything we do at Access2Learn. You can reach us by phone, email, text, live chat or via our mobile app, ensuring we are always here for you when you need us.

Average time from Assessment to report sent (2021)

Number of Centres around the UK

Total number of Assessments

MEET THE TEAM

Senior Management Team

Jo

Jo

Chief Executive Officer

Jo has been working in the DSA Sector since 2013 as a Needs Assessor but also as a Service Manager.  She has over 10 years of Management experience in different sectors, as well as a Health Care Professions degree in Physiotherapy.  In her role as CEO for Access2Learn, Jo hopes to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of Access2Learn’s service – from the student’s first contact, right through until their support is in place.   She will coordinate our central administration team, as well Quality Assurance Staff and Assessors, driving quality and staff development.  Jo will strive to ensure that all students can get access to the support they require and have the best experience of DSA Support available.

Mark

Mark

Chief Operating Officer

Mark is the Chief Operating Officer at Access2Learn, whose aim is to support students and those in education with their learning, empowering them to become independent and confident learners. After graduating, Mark has worked in the University sector for over 15 years, from Admissions, Accommodation, Finance, Graduation, and for the last 12 years DSA, so has a true overview of the University Student experience. Mark is passionate about ensuring that all Students who are eligible for DSA support receive this, and learn the strategies to help them flourish in Education and beyond.

Hayley

Hayley

Chief of Staff

Hayley has been working in the DSA Sector since 2010 and prior to that had a real passion for supporting learners with disabilities in other jobs.  Hayley founded Access2Learn in 2016 following her success at building DSA Assessment Business, but her main motivation for creating A2L was following her 3-year-old son being diagnosed with autism.  From her son and family’s experience of his educational journey, she learned the importance of building happy and confident learners is key through early support and intervention.  The more she learned the more she became aware of the lack of awareness regarding students’ rights in their education and the support they could access in overcoming barriers in their learning with effective and personalised strategies – this is what she wanted as a key goal of Access2Learn.  Hayley has been fortunate enough to have recruited staff that excel in their areas of expertise, provided the company with strong leadership and helped support the growth and future of A2L.

Administration Team

Stef

Stef

Customer Service Manager

Stef has been at A2L since January 2020 and is focused on ensuring that all students have a positive and comfortable journey through the DSA process. With personal experience of close family members that have learning difficulties and mental health conditions, Stef is able to relate to many students’ personal circumstances and suggest ways to overcome any barriers they may encounter.

Shoaib

Shoaib

Senior Administrator

Shoaib has been working at access2learn since May and has 5 years of customer service experience. His passion to help students with accessing DSA support comes from him recently being a student. Higher education should be accessible to all, he hopes to make it even more accessible to meet your needs and ensure you can achieve the best you can.

Sean

Sean

Senior Administrator

Sean has been at Access2Learn since November 2021 and since beginning university in 2017 he has been passionate about the student experience, recognising it as a crucial time that helps shape many people’s lives. Therefore,  he wants to ensure that everybody has the best experience possible and ensuring those with disabilities or learning difficulties have a level playing field is something he loves being a part of. Since graduating in 2020, Sean has been working with students and so he understands the experience of being a student very well and, since working in the DSA since November, he is able to combine these bits of knowledge together to help and advise in any way he can.

Tracy

Tracy

Customer Service Assistant

Tracy has been with Access2Learn since September 2022. She has worked in the Charity sector for the last 20 years and has vast experience of supporting disabled people and their families and providing a 1st class customer service; she has a true passion for the industry.

Faith

Faith

Customer Service Assistant

Faith recently joined the Access2learn team in October 2023. As a recent graduate, Faith believes with her recent university experience, she’ll be able to utilise the skills she has gained such as problem solving to provide solutions to students and make their dreams come true! Faith is passionate about helping people and especially students going through the DSA process, to help overcome their challenges and empower them in society!

Jay

Jay

Customer Service Assistant

Jay recently joined Access2Learn in the beginning of 2024. After moving straight into the management sector in continuation from his education, he has become accustomed with a variety of great people, and becoming a staple in his local community. In having a sibling with a terminal disability, he has matured with a passion to create a supportive and inclusive community.

Willow

Willow

Customer Service Assistant

Willow joined Access2Learn at the beginning of 2024. After working in customer service for two years, she has become accustomed to and passionate about helping others, especially those who may need it a little more. Having personal experience with anxiety, Willow knows how important it is that we bring equity and equality for those in a student setting and strives to make education a fair, enjoyable, and supportive field for any individual to experience.

Megan

Megan

Customer Service Assistant

Megan joined Access2Learn in the summer of 2024. Megan has always worked in customer service, but after leaving university, started working for her local council to serve her community. Having a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, Megan understands how important it is to provide students with much needed support in their education.

Quality Assurance Team

Dawn

Dawn

QA Manager

Dawn has a strong background in the DSA sector, starting her career in 2015 at Student Finance England as a DSA Eligibility Assessor. Over the years, she advanced to the role of DSA Officer, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of DSA. Her expertise allows her to understand various disabilities and their impact on students. In 2023, Dawn joined Access2Learn and currently leads our QA team. She not only manages the QA Process effectively but also focuses on enhancing the team’s skills, standards, development, quality, and performance. Additionally, she collaborates with the Assessing team to support ongoing assessor development. Dawn is dedicated to ensuring a smooth experience for every student and ensuring that they receive the appropriate support to help them flourish in their academic journey.

Joanne

Joanne

Senior QA Officer

Joanne has been working in the DSA sector since 2015 where she has gained invaluable knowledge and experience of the complete DSA journey within Student Finance England and various Needs Assessment Centres. Joanne’s experience in DSA Quality Assurance also started in 2015 and she has subsequently worked as both a freelance and full time DSA QA Officer for different Assessment Centres and is thrilled to be a part of Access2Learn. Joanne recently received promotion to Senior QA Officer and thrives on the extra responsibilities and workload. Joanne is very student orientated and every aspect of her role as a Senior QA Officer is done with the student in mind. As someone with Dyslexia herself, Joanne understands and appreciates the barriers students can face and recognises the importance of suitable support when it comes to studying.

Jade

Jade

Senior QA Officer

Jade has been working in the DSA sector since 2019 by helping students get booked in for their assessments, answering their queries, being a team leader and most recently a QA Officer. With a background in adult special needs teaching and a qualification in autism awareness, Jade understands why support is so important to students and just how this can help them thrive during their studies. In her role as a QA officer, she ensures that your reports reflect the quality of your assessment so that you can access your support and take your studies further.

Runa

Runa

QA Reviewer

Runa has been working in the DSA sector since 2011, mainly as an assessor, but she has also taken various other roles and responsibilities within the organisation. She feels that her background in Counselling has benefited her in her Needs Assessor role, as it enabled her to have insight into the psychological impact of a disability, helping students feel comfortable and safe when talking about their condition. In her role as a QA reviewer with Access2learn, she will be focusing on ensuring that the quality of our reports aim to identify your needs, so that you can access the best support available to you whilst studying at University.

Freya

Freya

QA Reviewer

Freya has worked in the DSA sector since 2021 helping students book and access their assessments, answering their queries, and conducting quality assurance of student reports. With a background in DSA and personal experience of ADHD, Freya understands how essential getting the right support is, and how much of a difference it can make to students. In her role as QA officer, she will make sure your report reflects the quality of your needs assessment, so that you can access the right support for you in your studies.

Michelle

Michelle

QA Reviewer

Michelle has worked in the DSA Sector for almost 20 years as a study skills tutor for specific learning difficulties. She has provided this support remotely for 10 years as a freelance tutor – one of the first in the country to offer this accessible service as an option to students. She has previously sat on the national executive board of ADSHE (Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education).  In her new role as QA Reviewer at Access2Learn, Michelle will help to ensure that the students’ needs assessment reports conform to the required standard consistently, which will help students to continue through the DSA process without unnecessary delay. Michelle is a retired midwife and was a SureStart Midwife before retiring, part of a multiagency initiative enabling families to ensure that the youngest of children could flourish and reach their full potential.  She is pleased to now be part of a team that enables the same possibilities a little further down the education line, for those who are disadvantaged in higher education.

Sue

Sue

QA Reviewer

Sue has worked in the DSA sector since 2009, with over 13 years spent at Student Finance England as a DSA Officer, so has a great knowledge of the DSA processes and the student journey. Sue’s time spent working within the DSA sector has helped her to understand the wide range of disabilities and additional learning needs students may have in relation to their studies and she is committed to ensuring students receive the support they need to enable them to succeed at University.

Kerry

Kerry

QA Reviewer

Kerry has been working in the DSA sector since 2009. Kerry previously worked as a DSA Officer at Student Finance England for 13 years before moving to QA at another Needs Assessment Centre just over 2 years ago.  The last 15 years have provided Kerry with experience in the DSA as a whole, as well as an understanding of a great many disabilities and the additional assistance students require because of them.  Kerry fully believes that with the right support, any student can achieve their goals.

Assessor Team

Liz

Liz

Assessment Service Manager

Liz has worked in the DSA Sector since 2010 as a Needs Assessor, Senior Assessor, QA Officer, and Freelance Assessor Manager, with some time spent performing ergonomic/DSE assessments, autism mentoring and assistive technology training. With roots in nursing and community care, Liz has a breadth and depth of knowledge about a range of disabilities and health conditions, and the impact they can have on day-to-day life, work, and studies.

In her role at Access2Learn, Liz will manage our assessor team, through high-quality training and ongoing assessor development. She will ensure that students have tailored needs assessments, conducted by highly skilled, student-focused assessors who advocate students’ needs thoroughly and identify appropriate support strategies throughout their DSA journey.

James B

James B

Senior DSA Assessor

James has been working in the DSA Sector since 2012. He has worked as a Needs Assessor since 2016, assessing the needs of students with a range of disabilities, and recommending adjustments to ensure students get the support they need. James has previously led on Quality Assurance and Query Management to ensure high quality customer service and reports and James previously worked at Student Finance England in their DSA teams across all of the workflows so understands the student’s DSA journey from start to finish.

Simon

Simon

DSA Assessor

Simon has recently joined Access2Learn as an Assessor, having spent five years as an NHS Health and Wellbeing Coach in the Rehabilitation Psychology Service, supporting patients with long-term health conditions. A qualified Emergency Medical Technician and Clinical Skills Trainer, Simon’s previous experience includes working for North West Ambulance Service, Public Health England and Cumbria Adult Social Care. Outside of work he has volunteered with Cumbria Community First Responders, the British Red Cross, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and  continues to volunteer with Parkinson’s UK.

Rebecca

Rebecca

Senior DSA Assessor

Rebecca has been working as a Needs Assessor since 2015, and has experience of carrying out both DSA and Access to Work assessments. Originally having graduated as a primary school teacher, Rebecca taught for thirteen years and undertook a qualification in teaching students with additional learning needs. Rebecca also has experience of supporting disabled adults to access learning and recreational activities. She is passionate about lifelong learning and enabling access to learning in all its forms.

Jim

Jim

DSA Needs Assessor

James has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor, having previously worked in the DSA sector as an Assistive Technology Trainer for multiple NMH providers, supporting students in the use of various assistive programs provided in their support. He is personally motivated to support students with technology, having understood the positive impact this kind of support would have had during his own higher education.

Nicola

Nicola

DSA Needs Assessor

Nicola has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor. Nicola graduated from university with a degree in Immunology and spent 10 years plus in the world of medical diagnostics. She has spent the last 20 years as a civil servant in a customer service role with HMRC Personal Taxes. Helping people has been at the heart of every job role she has undertaken. She believes in the power of education and learning and the requirement for it to be accessible to all. In this new role, she is looking forward to helping each student make the most of their higher education journey and be able to confidently show their talents in full.

Clarissa

Clarissa

DSA Needs Assessor

Clarissa has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor. She has spent the last three years working in the Higher Education sector, supporting students through the DSA process and the recommendations, developing Individual Learning Plans implementing recommendations to the University ensuring the students needs are met. Clarissas’ passion is in helping and supporting students to reach their full potential, believing that through education change can happen. This passion encouraged her to return to education in 2017 to complete her Undergraduate in Education Studies & English and then a Masters in Education. Previous to this Clarissa spent 10 years working in the retail sector as a Customer Service consultant mentoring staff and customers in technology. Clarissa is keen to ensure that each student to get the support they are entitled to and allow students to flourish.

Philip

Philip

DSA Needs Assessor

Phil started working in the DSA sector as a build engineer around 1999, building PCs, installing software, and delivering systems to students before moving into training. For over 13 years, he trained students on the DSA equipment provided, seeing a lot of positive change. More recently, he worked as a software specialist, demonstrating some of the leading text2speech and supportive software.As someone with dyslexia, Phil has always had a passion for helping others and has seen many aspects of DSA and how it can support many students.

Bryony

Bryony

DSA Needs Assessor

Bryony has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor. Bryony is a registered counsellor and has several years in the education sector in both teaching and coaching roles. Bryony has worked in a range of education settings including alternative provisions, as well as Further and Higher Education. Bryony’s passion is empowering students to succeed and she is an advocate of inclusive learning practice. She has seen the DSA recommendations in action and has been part of implementing these in University to ensure each students individual learning plan meets their needs. Now as an assessor Bryony is keen to ensure that everyone has access to the appropriate support to help them flourish in their academic journey.

Chantelle

Chantelle

DSA Needs Assessor

Chantelle recently joined Access2Learn as a needs assessor after working in the DSA sector for 12 years as part of the DSA Team at Student Finance England. Here, she worked in all areas of the DSA department and is therefore very familiar with the DSA process. Chantelle’s time in the DSA Team helped her understand a wide range of disabilities and the additional learning needs students may have in relation to their studies. Chantelle has a great understanding of the student DSA journey and hopes to apply this knowledge to her new role within Access2Learn.

Jasmine

Jasmine

DSA Needs Assessor

Jasmine is a recent addition to Access2Learn, as a DSA Assessor, with a background in needs assessments since 2022. Prior to her role as a Needs Assessor, Jasmine served as a dedicated support worker, offering assistance to children and young adults with diverse disability needs while also contributing to their educational support. She brings valuable experience to her current position. Her professional journey reflects a keen interest in supporting university students with disabilities, showing her commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible educational environments.

Adam C

Adam C

DSA Needs Assessor

Education has become the key focus of Adam’s career. After spending time in the military he returned to education in his mid-twenties. Gaining his first degree then moving onto post graduate study, Adam eventually qualified and began working as a primary school teacher. Adam worked in both public and private sectors (designing EU funded training programs and coaching), he’s taught ESOL, personal development and early years but more recently Adam specialised in pastoral support for over 14 years at a 6th form college. Here he liaised with a range of professionals to ensure that students of all abilities got the support that was appropriate for them. Coaching and teaching has given Adam a great sense of what support is needed and how to embrace educational change.  He has a lot of experience of helping students through courses to completion and the realisation of their educational ambitions. Adam’s central motivation is to help people and he looks forward to meeting and working with new students to continue this.

Jennifer

Jennifer

DSA Needs Assessor

Jennifer has worked as a DSA needs assessor since 2018. The previous 18 years were spent working in different higher education settings in a variety of roles from data management and registry finishing as an admissions manager.  An expansive knowledge of the HE sector has really helped inform Jennifers work as a needs assessor. Jennifer hs a real passion for supporting students coming from a widening participation background, particularly those who are returning to education or think University is not for them.  She is really keen that students feel confident accessing  support, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Peter

Peter

DSA Needs Assessor

Peter has been actively involved in the field of Disability Support Assistance (DSA) since 2012. Over the years, Peter has gained experience across all departments within DSA and has been serving as a Needs Assessor since 2020. Peters’ journey has allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various areas of DSA, enabling him to contribute effectively in assessing and addressing the needs of individuals requiring support.

Karen

Karen

DSA Needs Assessor

Karen has worked as a DSA Assessor since 2010 and is passionate about enabling students to overcome barriers. She joined Access2Learn as an internal assessor after working freelance with them for the past two and half years. Karen started out as an actor-teacher in Theatre in Education, then qualified as a Drama and English teacher. She was a lecturer in further and higher education, including delivery of courses in theatre, literature, adult literacy, numeracy and teacher training. Karen is also a Specialist Mentor and Study Skills tutor for students with autism in higher education. Karen is excited to be part of the team at Access2Learn helping to provide a great service to students.

Lauren

Lauren

DSA Needs Assessor

Lauren has recently joined Access2Learn as a DSA Assessor. She graduated from University with a degree and master’s in psychology with a specialism in neurodivergence. Lauren is a passionate advocate for inclusive education. Her prior roles include working as a Teaching Assistant/SENDCo Assistant and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. Throughout these roles, she has supported learners with a wide range of disabilities and support needs. Having personally accessed support at University, she understands the profound impact that obtaining the right support can have upon a student’s educational experience. She is dedicated to ensuring that students receive the necessary support to thrive at University.

Paula

Paula

DSA Needs Assessor

Paula has recently joined Access2learn as a DSA Assessor.  After initially training as a primary teacher in 2003, she later transitioned to teaching art and design in further and adult education. Paula’s diverse background includes several years in teaching and support roles across various education settings, such as the National Autistic Society (NAS) and Offender Learning. Beyond education, she has valuable experience in the care sector working in palliative care and mental health, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set that enriches her approach to student support.  Paula is driven by a passion for making learning accessible to all, believing that every student deserves the support they need to reach their full potential.

Michelle

Michelle

DSA Needs Assessor

Michelle has joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Needs Assessor. Michelle graduated from university with a degree in Physiotherapy and began her career carrying out assessments in the workplace and enabling people with long term conditions to return to work. She has worked as DSA Assessor since 2013. Helping people to fulfil their potential in work and education has been at the forefront of her career throughout gaining an understanding of a diverse range of difficulties and disabilities along the way. The assessment experience is something she is passionate about enabling students to feel comfortable, supported and heard.

Hannah T

Hannah T

DSA Needs Assessor

Hannah has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor, having worked in the DSA sector for 11 years, first as an Assistive Technology Trainer and most recently as Senior Accredited Disability Advisor. Having worked previously with people with disabilities, as a Support Worker, Advocate and Advisor, helping people has been at the centre of every job role she has undertaken. Hannah is keen to ensure that every student has the right support to enable them to achieve their full potential.’

Sarah C

Sarah C

DSA Needs Assessor

Since graduating from university, Sarah has consistently been involved in community education for adults, where she has taught IT skills and conducted yoga classes. This led to project management and overseeing course provision and management in adult education centres. Since 2014 on moving to Bristol Sarah has been working in the DSA and ATW sectors. Initially providing training in Assistive Technology, she later acquired qualifications to provide specialist study skills support and mentoring for students.  Sarah has undertaken Access to Work evaluations and workplace coaching and training. Her main focus for the past few years has been conducting DSA needs assessments.
Sam

Sam

DSA Needs Assessor

Sam has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor after two years in the industry. During this time, Sam has supported students with a range of disabilities and is committed to meeting the needs of students to ensure that they can complete their university studies to the very best of their ability. Sam graduated from university with a degree in History and was a Primary School Teacher for 18 years where she taught a range of year groups and frequently tailored her educational provision to the specific needs of her students. Sam believes that all learners should be able to access education on a ‘level playing field’ and therefore is dedicated to finding strategies to support students overcome any challenges they may face.

Sarah L

Sarah L

DSA Needs Assessor

Sarah has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Assessor. Sarah trained as an Occupational Therapist after first-hand experience of the difference holistic Occupational Therapy interventions can have on a person’s life experience.  Training in all areas of life and a range of health conditions, she feels well placed to highlight the fine details and nuances that can make a huge impact on a student’s wellbeing and facilitate breaking barriers to learning.  She later specialised in mental health and supported her patients to explore further education, helping to apply to DSA for support, accessing formal study and adjusting any environmental challenges that may be involved. During her career she has gained a rich understanding of diverse needs, fuelling her commitment to create an environment where everyone can have access to the support they need to reach their full potential.   She has run her own business more recently, focussing on demystifying social inclusion activities and has been a strong support for volunteer and community groups serving their local communities. Passionate about people, inclusivity and breaking down barriers to champion the right everyone has to the same positive life experiences, Sarah strives to make a positive impact on anyone she encounters.

Linda

Linda

DSA Needs Assessor

Linda has recently joined the Access2Learn team as a DSA Needs Assessor. Having graduated as a primary school teacher in 2006, Linda has taught across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 stages, including internationally for several years, covering both mainstream and special needs settings. Linda has been a dedicated SENDCo since 2011 and has gained valuable experience in helping meet the needs of learners across a wide range of special educational needs. In the last few years, she has achieved a Post Graduate Diploma in Dyslexia Research and Practice and is a qualified Dyslexia Specialist Teacher who also holds a professional Dyslexia Assessor License. Linda is passionate about empowering learners of all ages to advocate for their right to access education, gain confidence in overcoming any barriers to learning and have the knowledge and power to access the support services they are entitled to. Linda is excited to be able to support learners through this part of their educational journey and hopes to ensure their experience of the assessment process is one that they feel is empathetic, supportive and positive.

Christian

Christian

DSA Needs Assessor

Christian has recently joined Access2Learn as a DSA Needs Assessor. Christian has been a Study Needs Assessor since 2011. Over a span of 13 years he has assessed for Access2Work as well as for the DSA sector. He has also spent 2 years as a QA Officer, all of which has given him a breadth of knowledge and insight.  Christian has assessed a range of disabilities but has a specific interest within mental health and specific learning difficulties. Christian’s main focus is to ensure those being assessed have the best support possible during their educational journey within the DSA remit.

 

Kimberley

Kimberley

DSA Needs Assessor

Kim is a new DSA assessor at Access2Learn and brings 7 years of experience working with complex needs. Kim specialises in installing assistive technology to enhance safety and independence for individuals in their homes, as well as providing support and technology to care homes. Kim is eager to learn more about assistive technology for learning and help students achieve their goals.

 

Jacqui

Jacqui

DSA Needs Assessor

Jacqui has been working as a Needs Assessor for over a decade, recently joining the Access2Learn team. Having graduated as a teacher in the post-16 sector, Jacqui has taught adults in a range of sectors, including Access to Higher Education and PGCE programmes. She has also supported university students as a DSA Specialist One to One Study Skills support tutor. When her three children were young, Jacqui completed part of a Masters combined with a British Dyslexia Association programme, to qualify as a Dyslexia Assessor.  With 13 years of experience as a Needs Assessor, she has extensive knowledge of DSA and looks forward to accessing your DSA related needs to help you succeed and enjoy your university course.

 

Sharon

Sharon

DSA Needs Assessor and Safeguarding Lead

Sharon recently joined Access2Learn as a DSA Needs Assessor following a career break to support her three children with Autism and ADHD. Sharon is there to provide support and Safeguarding guidance to all Access2Learn colleagues alongside being a DSA needs assessor. Sharon has a vast experience of how disability can impact an ability to learn for all sorts of reasons, and she feels very privileged to be able to support students to access the tools they need to be able to achieve their full potential at university. She is very passionate about empowering others to be the best they can be.

Catherine

Catherine

DSA Needs Assessor

Catherine is a new Needs Assessor at Access2Learn.  She has spent the past 25+ years working in education and industry supporting disabled people to better access work and their studies.  Most recently, this was eight years as a Student Disability Adviser in Higher Education. Catherine has a degree in Education, a post graduate diploma in Teaching Students with SpLD, an adult child with autism and a wealth of knowledge and lived experience regarding disability and its daily and enduring effects.  She is keen to support all learners to not only access their studies but to thrive in the education environment

 

Hannah S

Hannah S

DSA Needs Assessor

Hannah has recently joined the A2L team as a study needs assessor. She has previously worked for the University of Bristol as an assistant disability adviser and spent eight years as a study skills tutor across Edinburgh and Bristol. Hannah has spent many years in the education sector, closely working with pupils and students with additional needs. She recently graduated from the University of Bristol with an MSc Psychology of Education, which encouraged her interest of supporting students with neurodiversity. Hannah is passionate about equality and inclusive practice in education and is therefore keen to support students on their journey throughout university to ensure they get the best out of their experience, regardless of any challenges they may face along the way.

 

Keri

Keri

DSA Needs Assessor

Keri has recently joined Access2Learn as a DSA Needs Assessor. Having recently gained valuable experience working for an NMH provider in the DSA sector, Keri understands the value of providing students with strong support throughout their academic journey. Prior to this Keri spent 11 years working in the care industry, supporting adults and young people with a range of disabilities and support needs. She understands the challenges that many people with disabilities face and is passionate about creating inclusive environments, both in education and the wider community.

 

Julia P

Julia P

DSA Needs Assessor

Julia has worked in the DSA sector since 2013, and her roles have included Study Skills Tutor and Specialist Mentor for students with Autism and Mental Health Conditions, DSA Needs Assessor and following master’s level study in anatomy and physiology modules, she is also a DSE/Ergonomic Needs Assessor and Holistic Workplace Needs Assessor. She is a former lecturer of Sociology within Higher Education where she specialized in supporting emotional and behavioral difficulties within study and was actively involved in supporting the widening participation initiatives. Julia is diagnosed with ADHD, and she feels her lived experience of completing HE study with neurodiversity greatly enhances the level of skills and empathy she brings to her role as a Needs Assessor. She is passionate about empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities and is dedicated to ensuring she provides students with a safe, relaxed space in which they can be heard, and their needs respected.

 

 

Natalie P

Natalie P

DSA Needs Assessor

Natalie recently joined Access2Learn as a Study Needs Assessor after working as a DSA officer for 11 years at Student Finance England. Here, she gained experience in all aspects of DSA and is therefore very familiar with the process. Natalie’s time in the DSA Team helped her understand a wide range of disabilities and the additional, individual needs students may have about their studies. Natalie has a great understanding of the student DSA journey and hopes to apply this knowledge to her new role within Access2Learn.

 

 

Lisa M

Lisa M

DSA Needs Assessor

Lisa has recently joined Access2Learn with 13 years of experience as a DSA Needs Assessor. She has been in the DSA sector since 2006 and spent many years working within disability support at a collegiate university, including supporting students as a Senior Advisor for one of its undergraduate colleges. This provided her with extensive experience and a holistic understanding of all aspects of university life. She also has an interest in intersectionality, having personal experience of attending university as a mature, international and disabled student. Lisa is an empathetic listener who wants to create space for students to define their own experience as part of the process to identify appropriate support and strategies to succeed with their studies.

 

 

Becky

Becky

DSA Needs Assessor

Becky graduated from University with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with Psychology and has spent almost a decade working in various supportive roles. She has gained vast experience from this, as she has provided support for both adults and young people with housing, sexual health, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, prosthetic rehabilitation, and post-prison life. She is passionate about ensuring that everyone can access quality care and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge to further support students to thrive in higher education.

 

 

Kristie

Kristie

DSA Needs Assessor

Kristie has recently joined Access2Learn and has worked in the DSA sector for 4 years as a NMH Specialist Mentor and DSA Needs Assessor. Kristie started her journey as a specialist carer in Australia, before moving to the USA to become an autism coach. When moving back to the UK, Kristie began working at her local University in the Non Medical Help department. Kristie is passionate about working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity.

 

Adam T

Adam T

DSA Needs Assessor

Adam has been actively involved in the field of Disability Support Assistance (DSA) since 2015. Over the years, Adam has gained experience across all departments within DSA from assessing medical evidence and applications, to all aspects of reviewing needs assessment reports and liaising with students, assessors and universities. Adam also spent time working on GDPR across student finance and regularly was a member of panels to review medical evidence. This has allowed Adam to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various areas of DSA, enabling him to contribute effectively in reviewing the support requirements of individuals .This gained knowledge and experience should lead to ensuring a smooth experience for every student.

Jamie

Jamie

DSA Needs Assessor

Jamie joined Access2Learn in April 2024 and has been working as a Needs Assessor since March 2018, assessing students for a range of disabilities to ensure they receive the support needed to meet their full potential. Jamie has previously supported the learning and development of fellow needs assessors and also has a background of 5 years working in customer service, being passionate about delivering high quality assessments for every student that he meets.

 

 

Ruth

Ruth

DSA Needs Assessor

Ruth has recently joined the Acces2 Learn team as a DSA Assessor. Ruth comes from a background of helping and supporting people in different sectors. Working for disability charities and with experience across Adult Social Care and Education sectors, having previously worked in Supported Living as a Service Manager and as the Designated Safeguarding Officer in a college, Ruth is passionate about individuals reaching their full potential.  

 

Matt

Matt

DSA Needs Assessor

Having previously worked in retail management, Matt has been working in the DSA sector since 2007. Matt began as a Study Skills Coach and Specialist Mentor, working with a wide variety of disabilities and students studying at all levels from Foundation to PhD, before moving on to become a DSA Needs Assessor at a Manchester based Assessment Centre. Matt is passionate in his belief that Higher Education should be accessible for all who want to learn and develop.

 

Lee

Lee

DSA Needs Assessor

Lee has worked in the DSA Sector since March 2013 as part of the DSA Team at Student Finance England. Lee worked all areas of the DSA Department as well has having 5 further years at SFE funding applications for students without a disability, EU students and students with dependents.  Lee’s time at Student Finance England helped him understand the conditions, processes/policies as well as focusing on hitting targets, productivity and coaching others to bring them up to company requirements. Lee’s main aim is to support students in progressing through the course and ensuring all students feel comfortable but having a voice to express their own difficulties and needs. Lee also hopes to support A2L in their aims to making the reforms a success and build new skills in the process.

 

 

My DSA

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