Wessex Needs Assessment Centre – About us

The Centre for Enabling and Learning Technologies (CELT) was established in 1994 following a successful bid to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and was the first Assessment Centre to be established outside of London. In August 2009 we changed our name to Wessex Needs Assessment Centre (WNAC) to give better identification due to changes in the internal structure of the University of Southampton times and also changes in national student supoprt funding.

WNAC provide specialist assessments for students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties (dyslexia), most of whom are eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA). Our experienced team of assessors work collaboratively with the student, University services and external partners to consider the effects of the individual's disability within the context of their main study activities. Our recommendations include ICT equipment, training, study aids and specialist strategies. Our aim is to promote the equalisation of opportunities without compromising the student's independence. Following assessment, students have access to ongoing support, advice and guidance.

WNAC has experience of carrying out over 10,000 individual assessments, and employs a team of 20 assessors, most of whom work on a freelance basis. WAC employs assessors from a range of disability-related backgrounds, and is able to offer specialists in visual impairment, hearing impairment, specific learning difficulties, medical conditions, and mental health difficulties, amongst others. The centre is self-funded and is well resourced with cutting edge IT and ergonomic equipment. Its administration is centred around the use of an encrypted database which was commissioned and designed exclusively for WAC.

In addition to providing DSA assessment services WNAC also offer individual IT training to students with disabilities. This can be provided either at the Highfield campus, or trainers will travel to your term time accommodation.