A new report written by Lord Chris Holmes into the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) draws on evidence from Policy Connect reports Arriving at Thriving and Transition to Ambition. Many of the recommendations of Lord Holmes’ report are also in accordance with Policy Connect recommendations.

Lord Holmes’ report draws on evidence gathered in Arriving at Thriving that found that 40% of students had not heard of the DSA before they started their course, and uses this evidence to recommend the Department for Education launch an information and awareness campaign around the DSA. This recommendation chimes with a recommendation made by Policy Connect and the Higher Education Commission in Arriving at Thriving, which similarly called for an information and awareness campaign for schools and colleges about ‘disabled student’ status, disclosure and the DSA.

Lord Holmes’ report also uses evidence from Arriving at Thriving showing concerns raised by the National Union of Students about assessment centres. Drawing on this evidence, it recommends the DfE improve quality assurance for assessment centres and needs assessors.

Lord Holmes’ report calls for a new system to support disabled people throughout their lives, and suggests perhaps a ‘passport’. In Arriving at Thriving, Policy Connect called for a new system to support disabled people from the classroom to the workplace.

The new report can be read online.