DSA assessment, but I cannot travel there.

Steel Maiden · 24-09-2015, 08:56 PM

I have to have another DSA assessment (even though I've been part time for 5 years) as I have new disabilities that need assessing.

I live in South London. The assessment centre is in Canterbury.

I cannot travel at all on the London Underground, I'd need to use it part of the way, as last time I tried to travel just two stops on on an Underground train with my support worker, I nearly smashed a window and was screaming until we got off. I cannot go to St Pancras International (the station I'd need to use to get onto HS1 to go to Canterbury) as even though I love high speed rail, St Pancras would cause me to have a meltdown (sensory overload) and I know that there are lots of police there who may take it wrongly.

What can be done about this? I would like to have the assessment but due to my autism (neurologist said it is Classic Autism) I cannot go there.

Can they come to me? Or can I get funding for a taxi? I would need my support worker to come with me for the whole taxi ride and assessment, which would cost me money (I currently pay for my home support privately with my dad's help, as my London Borough council are crap).

Aardbei · 24-09-2015, 09:00 PM

I'm sure they have staff who can come out to assess you as there are many other people on DSA who are unable to travel. The best thing to do is to ask your support worker, who can assist you to call DSA and explore these options.

Iamcatbug · 24-09-2015, 09:01 PM

My initial thought is can you not get an assessment nearer to home? You can be assessed at any assessment centre you want.

But if the above is not possible, I'd suggest asking your support worker to help you contacting the assessment centre before the assessment as they will be able to help you with how to attend.

random.swirls · 24-09-2015, 10:38 PM

My dsa assessment with the OU was done at home so I would ask?

sherlock holmes · 25-09-2015, 08:22 AM

Definitely ring and ask about having it nearer, or at home. My DSA assessment was done in my actual university. The assessments are carried out by the open university and many of the assessors travel to where you are. So they'd either be able to do it at your university, or at your house.

Steel Maiden · 25-09-2015, 02:31 PM

It turns out the assessment may be in Greenwich and they'll reimburse my taxi fares.