The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a consultation on the funding of assistive software through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). The consultation addresses the rapid development of technology and the increasing use of learning technologies by providers to deliver more inclusive teaching and support all students. The DfE is therefore reviewing the assistive software currently funded through DSA to ensure it continues to meet students’ needs and that public funding is used effectively.
The proposals may affect the support available to disabled students, the tools students bring with them into higher education, and institutional approaches to inclusive learning and teaching. Changes to the way assistive software is defined, funded, and priced could also have implications for student experience and engagement, funding needed for support, and alignment with institutional digital learning strategies.
The consultation includes proposals relating to:
- the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assistive software
- the definition and treatment of “demanding” software
- funding rules for different categories of assistive software funded through DSA
- software pricing
The consultation does not include DSA-funded computer equipment and accessories. However, as equipment is typically awarded to enable students to use assistive software, any changes to software funding may have knock-on effects on eligibility for DSA-funded equipment and accessories.
Join us at 11:00-12:00 on Wednesday 29 April 2026 for a roundtable event at which the IHE policy team will outline the proposals and seek views from members.
The consultation on assistive software will close on Wednesday 18 June 2026.
Booking information
This event is open to IHE Members only and is free to attend.
To attend this session please RSVP on the IHE Community.