Protect the DSA
The Government is consulting on changes that could make it harder for tens of thousands of disabled students to access support at university.
For many, this support makes studying possible. Sign the petition to oppose the changes.
For disabled and neurodivergent students, DSA isn't a luxury - it's what makes university possible.
What DSA Makes Possible
These proposals rely on the assumption that free or general-purpose tools can replace tailored support. However, there is limited evidence that they provide equivalent accessibility, reliability, or educational outcomes. DSA-specific assistive tech makes university possible for disabled students.
Access and understand academic content
Manage workload, organisation, and focus
Complete written work and assessments
Maintain wellbeing, reduce cognitive overload
Stay enrolled without falling behind
What these changes could mean
The door closes before you arrive
These changes affect future students - the next generation of disabled people who deserve the same chance at university as those who came before them.
Higher Drop Out Rates
Under the proposals, disabled students would have to fight to prove their needs qualify as exceptional - a higher, harder bar that many won't clear, even when their need is real.
The drop out no one talks about
Many students are only still enrolled because of DSA. Remove that support from future cohorts and some won't make it to graduation - quietly, without anyone counting the cost.
Not a level playing field
DSA doesn't give disabled students an advantage. It gives them a starting line. Without it, the gap widens - in attainment, in employment, in life.
How you can make a difference
Three Ways to Help
Sign the petition
Add your name to our petition opposing the proposed DSA restrictions. Every signature sends a direct message to the Department for Education that disabled students deserve better.
Share the petition
The more people who sign, the harder it is to ignore. Share this page with fellow students, friends, and family - especially those who might be affected.
Respond to the consultation
The government consultation is open until 18 June 2026. Submitting a personal response carries significant weight - your experience as a disabled or neurodivergent student is exactly what decision-makers need to hear.
Why the DSA matters to students
“Before I got my DSA support, I was going to drop out of uni. Now I’m getting my highest grades yet.”
Lucy, The Open University
“Thanks to my DSA support, my stress levels have dropped, giving me more time for productive study and a real boost in confidence. “
Madeline, The Open University
“The DSA has made such a big difference to my studies. It provides the accessibility I was looking for.”
Emma, Arden University
Know a disabled student? Send them this petition.
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