DSA Information

Quality Logo

Avantek Computer are a DSA-QAG accredited supplier - this means we have been quality audited by the DSA quality assurance group.
We view the DSA-SLA as a minimum requirement for customer service.

DSA Quoting System (for use by accredited Assessors, Assessment Centres and LEA's)

DSA Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire

If you have any questions please:
email sales@avantek.co.uk
call 0330 300 3000 (this is free on most mobile contracts - we will always call you back to save your phone bill)
fax 0330 300 3001.

Avantek DSA service and other info

Ordering - Frequently Asked Questions

Some testimonials: (more here)

Dear Tony
This is just a note to express my thanks for the outstanding service your team have given my son, Adam S.
Over the weeks, I know several of them, including Sandra, Melanie and Fiona have been involved in processing his order for software and training. Although apparently a straightforward matter, it was one which Adam, who has a non-verbal learning disability, found difficult and rather worrying to arrange. Your staff showed incredible patience, persistence and creativity in obtaining the information they needed from him and I understand the products are now ready for dispatch.
Please pass on our grateful thanks to your team. I shall have no hesitation in recommending your company to others in future.
Best regards
Julie S

Hi,
Can you let Anthony know that Rob managed to sort out my problem with the sound, it was something to do with the Plantronics USB being plugged in for the headset, but anyway, the problem is sorted now, and thanks for your help. Also can I just let you know that the training session with Rob was excellent, he is patient and knowledgeable and I really appreciated the learning. Thanks for everything, you are all fantastic, professional and helpful and Im glad I feel I have your support if I should have any further queries or concerns.
Regards,
Lorna

I personally feel that Avantek are an excellent supplier, who answer the
phone when you ring, who provide goods within a reasonable timescale and
who provide excellent follow up support if something goes wrong with a
machine supplied by them. I have seen from experience that their support is
prompt, sympathetic but not patronizing, fast, and on-site, which for a
disabled student is essential in my opinion. I am not saying Avantek is
perfect and we all have room for improvement, but I have provided a lot of
training for students who have been supplied with Avantek computers and this
is how I have this knowledge of Avantek's service provision.

Alex Larg
Freelance Assistive Technology Trainer
Freelance study needs assessor
Former Disability Officer

I have no hesitation in stating that in the years I have worked in student support dealing with DSA, Avantek, as a major supplier to Oxfordshire
students has always and continues to deliver a fantastic service. I know that when an order is placed I can rely on the utmost in efficiency, from
getting an order confirmation almost immediately to the students receiving their equipment and training. I have many thank you letters from students
who are thrilled with the service they receive and I know that in many cases Avantek will have been the supplier. It is also a pleasure to have contact
with staff who contact me immediately with queries, and who are always totally helpful, friendly and efficient. I feel we have a great relationship
and long may it continue.

Best wishes
Nan Hill
Student Support, Oxfordshire LEA
01865 815254

I have always found Avantek to be reliable in providing good quality equipment to our students.
They offer an onsite installation and on site warranty service over a students course.
I have had no complaints from our students regarding the equipment provided.
Avantek maintain good communication lines with the LEA and students.
They have an efficient, individual and friendly approach to enquiries which reflects excellent customer service.

Yours sincerely,
Rosemary Gibson
Team Leader
Student Finance Service, Nottinghamshire LEA.

Q. How do I place an order for my specialist equipment?

Option 1: Your LEA or Student Finance England may send you a letter which says that they have approved your DSA.
- Avantek need a copy of the LEA letter and, if provided, a list of exactly what they have approved.
Option 2: Your LEA/Bursary provider sends you a cheque for the full amount.
- Send Avantek a cheque made payable to Avantek Computer Limited for the full amount Avantek need a copy of the LEA/Bursary letter
- and, if provided, a list of exactly what they have approved.
In all cases: Send Avantek your contact details (inc email address if possible) for delivery/installation.

Order processing address:
FREEPOST RRKX-KBXH-STUE
AVANTEK COMPUTER LIMITED
GREAT YARMOUTH
NR31 OND

Q. How long will my order take?

We will usually deliver within 10 working days of your first contact with us, subject to your availability or preferences.
Once we receive your order we will send you an order acknowledgment the same or the following working day.
- This acknowledgement will invite you to contact us to agree a delivery appointment and confirm the delivery address.
Please note that these timescales may be adversely affected by:
- changes or additions to the equipment specification
- students who delay completing essential documentation, e.g. delivery details.

Q. Can I change or upgrade my equipment?

Yes you can upgrade to a higher specification or change to a MAC from a PC or a Desktop to a Laptop (as long as your assessor can agree to the change).
- Any extra cost will be at your own expense
- Any changes must still comply with the assessor's recommendations.

Q. Can I load other software onto my PC?

You may wish to load some software that was not supplied with the PC.
Your PC is a tool to assist with your course and we recommend that you neither load any other software nor change any of the PC settings.
As it is your PC you can of course load whatever you wish but please note that we cannot be responsible for any effect it may have on your PC or other software loaded on it.

Q. What will my PC system look like?

Here are some example pictures which are subject to change: (be careful; if you click on them you will get a very large image)

DSA - Disabled Students' Allowance

What is DSA?
The DSA is the Disabled Students' Allowance, which exists to help you pay for extra educational needs that you have as a direct result of being disabled. These include equipment, materials and human assistance in your studies, and access to studying.

Will DSA help fund assistants to help me wash my hair or tidy my room?
'fraid not. As a first point-of-call it is best to get onto the local social services in your home area and talk to them about personal care and/or Direct Payment schemes. Hopefully, your university's Student Services should have a handle on the local personal care systems and help smooth your path.

We say: although Direct Payment schemes can give you added flexibility with your Personal Assistant (PA) availability, the extra workload of setting it up, finding employees and managing payments may not be something you want to get into.

Is DSA 'means tested'?
Thankfully, no ... but you need to have a recognised disability-related need for it. To find out if you are eligible for DSA, contact your Local Education Authority (LEA) or Student Finance England at the same time as you apply for your University place.

So, what happens next?
The next step will be to give you a needs assessment to find out what equipment and help, if any, you require. Your LEA or Student Finance England will then look at your assessment results and agree what they will pay for.

Why then does it seem to cause such distress to students?
The best solution is to make sure you ask your assessor for an Avantek DSA solution. Our student customers think we're BRILL!