The Sussex Regional Access Centre (SRAC) will be closing on 31 July due to a change in the way that Student Finance England will operate the Needs Assessment element of the Disabled Students Allowance provision.
The SRAC has been one of a number of providers which students in receipt of DSA can choose from for their initial needs assessment on joining the University, or at any point during their time at University. Once their assessment is completed the student is provided with a range of DSA funded support through different providers which can include a specialist mentor or tutor and / or assistive technology or equipment to support a disability or learning difference. Students then access support services as needed.
Students will continue to be sign-posted to the wide number of providers within the local area whom they can choose to conduct their assessment. This will continue to be the case until such time as Student Finance England introduce their new structure.
The 3 members of staff affected have joined the re-deployment offer within the University. Voluntary severance has also been made available. The Unions have been briefed with regards to the changes nationally and therefore the closure of SRAC.