Iona Kent and South East DSA-QAG Accredited Centre Review

Despite its proximity to the university, I would not recommend going here for a DSA assessment or review. Key warning signs from the beginning that the assessor had not read through my medical documents (which you provide in advance of your appointment to prove you are entitled to the DSA and in fact disabled) were that they got my name wrong when greeting me and didn't seem to understand what conditions I was presenting with. The assessor I had made tone deaf comparisons between mental and physical disabilities and seemed to want every description of a person's mental health difficulty defined in medical short-hand. In explanation, they began asking if I had a 'diagnosis for that' and seemed impatient that I could not provide them simply with the name of an illness recognised by the DSM. (Of course I DO have medical proof of the symptoms and conditions I described, it is just spread out throughout various medical documents from my treatments over the years as opposed to condensed neatly into dehumanising diagnoses that would be inappropriate to give someone who is under-18 anyway. The DSM actually has strict policies on diagnosing under 18s to begin with.) Furthermore, the assessor felt the need to make a few suggestions as to the disorders I could potentially have - completely inappropriate from someone with no psychiatric care credentials.

Decent facility and good location, the staff are just miserably, embarrassingly inept.

I had my MA and PGCE assessment and review with IONA. They we very accommodating and fit in my review around my schedule. All staff I have met have been very helpful and personable and they really listened to what I was saying and where I felt my support needs were.

I went along to an assessment recently with my son, and I must say, all I can feel is gratitude. We were received very welcomly, and there was nothing daunting about it as I thought there might be. The assessor was a lovely person, very approachable and made the meeting seem relaxed rather than stressful. The whole experience made me feel so much more confident about my son being away from home and facing the biggest challenge of his life so far, in going to university. Thank you Iona.

When it comes to getting the help and support I need to combat my difficulties and ensure that I have the help I need to make life easier at university. I wouldn't know where to start and I wouldn't know what to do to make sure I get the best deal.
I was Told to go with IONA by my grandmother and after reaching out to them I found out that the whole process would be easier than I thought or at least they made it that way. The staff were all very attentive and responsive to me, not only in person but also in dealing with an unorganised 21 year old and they showed great patience and encouragement when it came to getting the documents and information from me. When I went in for the asessment I was met with a very welcoming man named Jonathn. He was creating a great connection between allowing me to relax and comfortably talk through the issues that may arise at uni with my difficulties. I received very quick responses following the asessment and was also encouraged to reply with things that I may have missed with Jonathan, which was great as there were somethings that came to mind later on. Not only have I received the necessary support I was also given great tips to make the simpler struggles easier too.

I couldn't recommend highly enough.
SPOT ON!!

Really impressive centre, helpful staff, relaxed and welcoming, and expert in DSA, highly recommend to others

Iona have provided outstanding support during my studies. The staff were very helpful when I arranged my appointment, explaining what to expect and answering my questions. The assessor made me feel at ease during the assessment and fully understood my needs and the technologies that were discussed. Their support does not end once the report is done. They are there to offer help to the end of your studies, not just the course. I would not have completed my course without the support they recommended and would recommend them to anyone seeking support while at uni.

Iona has been nothing but exemplary. I have never had an appointment booked so quickly and hassle free. Everyone, from the receptionist on the phone to my assessor, were the most understanding people who had clearly been trained to deal with various disabilities. I could contact them at almost anytime of the day and when I was confused they were patient. They are relaxed and supportive when it comes to paperwork which I found very refreshing. All of the above is a direct result of the incredible dedication of the entire team, who do their "best" to ensure every child receives the support they need.