DSA Needs Assessor Toolkit

All the resources and tools you need to easily match student needs and make recommendations

When to recommend Brain in Hand

Brain in Hand is for any student whose day can be disrupted by anxiety, unexpected events, or the need to make decisions under pressure. Students don’t have to have a specific condition or diagnosis.

Brain in Hand supports individuals who are neurodivergent (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia) and have mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

You can also recommend Brain in Hand for any student with executive functioning impairments and memory deficit needs.

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The best of human and digital support

A dedicated coach will help a user to develop self-awareness and build greater independence
They will help them unlock difficulties, and use strengths to build structured routines and coping strategies
In-the-moment human support from a skilled Brain in Hand responder is available 24/7 at the click of a button
Ongoing coaching helps users recognise stress triggers, maintain motivation and learn how to prevent escalations in anxiety

Users keep track of everything they need with personalised routines, prompts and reminders
Access solutions for unexpected and overwhelming situations
Access a library of practical ready-made solutions for everyday challenges
Monitor their mood, reflect on emotions and communicate how they feel

Ongoing human support for the entire duration of the license period

As long as the student has Brain in Hand, they will have ongoing, scheduled check-ins with their dedicated coach for the entire time. They can also get in-the-moment support whenever needed, 24/7. A skilled responder will be available to assist and help get their day back on track.

Download student brochure

Download student brochure

How to recommend Brain in Hand

Check DSA eligibility

and confirm that the student has access to a compatible device (iOS or Android). Click here for compatibility information.

Refer and get a quote

This can be done directly from Brain in Hand or via the SLC eQuote portal. For more information email us or call us at 01392 247909.

Let us and the student know

When you get approval please share the student’s DSA2 entitlement letter. Students can get Brain in Hand by registering directly with us or directly with the equipment supplier.

Reporting

Brain in Hand will report usage rates directly to the funding body/bodies. Based on usage we will renew the student annually. SAAS-funded students will require an annual assessment with a needs assessor.

Key resources to make recommendations

Recommendation guide

This guide will help you easily match students' needs to Brain in Hand features and how it will support them. It includes example justifications for Needs Assessment Reports.

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Features at a glance

This one-pager lists our digital and human support features in a brief and easy to understand manner

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Book a webinar

This 30-minute online session introduces BiH, the digital support system, research insights on how BiH has helped DSA students achieve more and explains the three step referral process.

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What makes Brain in Hand different?

Change is hard if you have do it on your own. Students have a dedicated coach who supports and encourages them to develop personalised solutions for the things they find difficult. Together with simple digital tools to manage the day-to-day, they can get support when they need it at the touch of a button.

One-to-one coaching

A personal coach will work with the student for the full duration of their Brain in Hand license. All our coaches have a degree qualification or equivalent

Personalised support

Helping students build motivation, resilience, and self-efficacy

On-demand support

Real human support from a skilled responder is available 24/7, for the full duration of the student’s use of Brain in Hand.

Build for the long-term

Structured routines, prompts, reminders, and ongoing coaching helps students build positive habits

Expert coaches

Coaching is delivered by experienced mental health or education coaches who have expertise specifically with neurodivergent users

Evidence-based, proven support

We support thousands of students funded through DSA each year. We continually evaluate Brain in Hand to ensure we can demonstrate impact around independence, wellbeing, and participation at university.

of students said that they feel more confident managing their day-to-day activities

of students felt more able to participate at university

of students felt more able to cope with day-to-day stressors

See our latest results

Case studies

Adjusting to student life

5 minutes
Case Studies - Anxiety

Brain in Hand for studying and day-to-day routines

2 minutes
Video - Independence

Integrating Brain in Hand into university life

2 minutes
Case Studies - Anxiety

We’ve helped 1,000s take control of their own lives

“It has been a lifesaver for me in coping with the complex daily schedules and with giving me a support structure for handling stressful busy lectures”

“Thanks to Brain In Hand, I’ve been able to live independently at university”

“I like having 1 to 1 support. I find it hard to retain the information so having the specialist support and being supported as I do tasks helps me to focus more easily.”

“It helped to have someone to talk to even briefly about why I was struggling. It made me feel less alone with my feelings.”

Join a webinar at a time that suits you

Get more information about Brain in Hand, how we've helped DSA students achieve more with our quick 30-minute webinar.

Book a webinar