West London Assessment Centre
There is currently no waiting list for most assessments – please call now for an appointment.
The WLAC is based at Brunel University in Uxbridge, West London, and provides Needs Assessments for those applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). These assessments can also be conducted at our alternative outreach facilities/locations to meet the needs of the student. Please contact us on 01895 266704 or at assessmentcentre@brunel.ac.uk for further details of these registered facilities to the West/South West of London as these may be in locations that you would like to use.
Expert advice and guidance on disability support, equipment and specialist software, as well as specialist equipment training, is also available.
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The West London Assessment Centre booklet (PDF, 4MB) gives information about Disabled Students' Allowances and Needs Assessments. Please contact us if you have any questions, or to book your Needs Assessment appointment.
As a nationally DSA/QAG accredited assessment centre we are able to assess students and applicants from any University, you do not have to be studying at Brunel University. The WLAC has been established for over 6 years and is housed in a purpose built and very well equipped Centre, next door to the University Disability and Dyslexia Service that won the Times Higher’s last award for services to disabled and dyslexic students. As an assessment centre we also have an excellent reputation and consistently receive very good feedback from students, universities and funding bodies.
Performance Feedback
90% of our assessments last less than 2 hours, although all our assessors will take time to understand your study related disability needs which is why on occasions we may go over this timeframe, and 96% of students felt that the length of their assessment was "about right".
Recent comments we have received from students include:
"My assessment was a really positive experience, and didn't feel like an assessment at all. My assessor clearly listened. He understood what I needed, was able to make helpful suggestions. He explained information clearly and without being patronising. I felt I had time and space to say anything I wanted to about my condition, and I didn't feel bombarded by questions - I felt it was a mutual and easy discussion focused on my learning needs. I was really pleased with the process, and it has given me a lot of confidence in the service. I would feel happy to encourage other students in a similar situation to mine to go along, as 'assessment' often gives the wrong connotations. In this case, it was a useful discussion, with an approachable and clearly very knowledgeable professional."
"My assessor was extremely helpful in advising me on the technology I may require for University, and the report was produced quickly. I was very pleased with the whole experience. Thanks!"
"Very helpful staff, I am grateful for the help I have received. Thank you very much!"
"The Assessment took place in the University I attended (BUCKS NEW UNI) this was very useful. The assessor was able to make feel comfortable and at ease. I normally find it very difficult to discuss aspects of my disability, as it is required to focus on the negative aspects... but on this occasion the assessor was able to obtain the information without making me feel useless and would like the opportunity to thank [The Assessor] for this."
We also give students the opportunity to feedback on their assessor and 92% of the responses were "Very Good" and 7% were "Quite Good", in the areas of Punctuality, being Approachable, Professional, Helpful, Knowledgeable, Informative/Clear and Understanding.
In our most recent Annual Re-Accreditation Audit the DSA/QAG Auditors described the WLAC as outstanding and gave us an audit score of 98%. They wrote that: "The West London Assessment Centre has extremely well organised processes to ensure compliance with QAF requirements, in particular, it has trained and knowledgeable staff, comprehensive arrangements for assessor development and the use of an Oracle database that has enabled the real-time monitoring of timescales."
To book your Needs Assessment please telephone 01895 266704 or email us at assessmentcentre@brunel.ac.uk
