Using Disabled Student Allowance to Finance Your OrCam Read Device in the UK

OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into a wearable platform which improves the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, and have reading difficulties. OrCam Read is the latest device to be released into OrCam’s catalogue of life-changing products. OrCam Read is a first-of-its-kind handheld artificial intelligence device for people who have low vision. It reads any printed or digital text at the push of a button, giving students with low vision and reading difficulties the edge in their studies.

Funding is possible for OrCam Read through Disabled Student Allowance.

Disabled Student Allowance is designed to help students with any extra studying costs they may incur as a direct result of their sight condition or other disability. DSA is available to students in designated higher education courses throughout the UK. 

This funding is in addition to your student finance, and you are not required to repay DSA. The overall amount you are entitled to is based on how much you will need for specialist equipment, non-medical help and any additional costs related to your disability. 

Am I eligible for DSA?

You will need to meet the following criteria to be approved for DSA:

• You have a disability, medical condition, sensory impairment, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty which affects your ability to study.
• You are a UK resident
• You are an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning)
• You qualify for student finance from Student Finance England
• You must be studying in a full-time or part-time course that lasts at least one year

What is available to me?

DSA can help cover the costs of the following:

• Specialist equipment allowance (e.g., assistive technology)
• Non-medical helpers
• Personal support
• Travel costs
• Other disability-related costs of studying

How do I apply for DSA?

You can expect to follow these steps in order to apply for DSA funding.: 

• Fill in your DSA application (See the Gov.UK website for more information
• Provide evidence of your disability
• Book and attend a study needs assessment (only after being asked to do so by the Student Finance organisation)
• Wait to hear if your application has been approved
• Once funding has been approved, order your equipment and arrange non-medical help, etc.

More information on DSA and details on how to apply can be found on the Gov.UK website – https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas