SUBJECT
Student Stories: “I wish I’d known about the DSA"
Date
July 2025
From
Tim from Booost Education
Hi Tony!
For some, the summer holidays are just starting, but for those working within FE and HE, July is a busy month. From finalising support plans to preparing for the new term, it’s a time of reflection, planning, and getting everything in place to help students succeed.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ve pulled together practical insights and inspiration to support that work – from DSA journeys and neurodivergent transitions, to tech tips, wellbeing resources, and sector updates.
Coming up:
Insights from a student navigating university with ADHD and dyslexia
What happened at the annual NADP conference
Supporting neurodivergent learners transition to work
Three quick tech tips to boost study skills
Mental health and wellbeing support for education staff
A spotlight on one university using tech to support executive functioning.
Student Spotlight
In the first of our Student Spotlight series, Anne-Marie shares her journey navigating university life and the huge difference the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and tailored study tools have made. From boosting confidence to developing new skills, her story is a powerful reminder of the impact the right support can have.
Three Tech Tips
Time to get physical this month, with three tech tips to help keep take care of the body:
Posture Pal - No graphs, no alerts, no notifications or complicated screens to remind you to sit up straight.
Lookaway - A smart break reminder that helps reduce eye strain, digital fatigue, and maintain better posture.
Bend - The simple, affordable way to make stretching & movement a part of your daily routine.
The Quiet Champions of Higher Education
I can’t quite believe it, but it’s been 20 years since I first joined the Disability and Dyslexia Service at Brunel University as a (very!) fresh-faced Disability Adviser. It took bumping into so many familiar faces at the NADP conference last month to realise just how long ago that journey started.
While I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing now at Booost Education, it was at Brunel that I really found my footing.
Read my trip down memory lane and laugh at my photo from 2005.
When the Support System Needs Support
With a growing wellbeing crisis in education, one UK charity is helping to support the staff who support everyone else.
Founded by teachers, Education Support understands the role in a deeply personal way and is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities.
Whether you’re juggling deadlines, burnout, or the emotional weight of the job, their free helpline, resources and one-to-one support can make all the difference.
Visit educationsupport.org.uk and share with a colleague who might need it.
Tech to Support Executive Functioning
At Edinburgh Napier University, Booost is helping neurodivergent students build confidence and take control of their studies.
We caught up with Mog Stapleton, the Assistive Technology Adviser at Napier, to find out how Booost integrates into their student toolkit.
Upcoming Events
23 July | Coventry Building Society Arena
National Neurodiversity Show in the Midlands
The final event before the summer holidays kick in, we will be at the third National Neurodiversity Show for a day of insight, action, and collaboration. Plus, newest member of the Booost Education team, Rory, will be talking about everyday tech tips for neurodivergent learners at 12.30pm, so definitely one not to miss!
Thanks for reading this newsletter, and, as the academic year comes to a close, thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last year. It's a pleasure to work with so many dedicated colleagues across the sector, and I hope everyone gets a chance to put their feet up and relax over the summer!
Best wishes,
