Fact · Accessibility and health
In its March 2026 consultation, the Department for Education proposed that, other than in exceptional circumstances, it would fund speech-to-text software only for students who, because of their disability, rely on speech recognition as their main way of writing and of controlling a computer.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Our proposed approach going forwards is that other than in exceptional circumstances, we will only fund speech-to-text software for students who, as a result of their disability, rely on speech recognition as their primary method of written communication and of controlling a computer.”
Assistive software funded through Disabled Students' Allowance: consultation document, March 2026, Department for Education, Department for Education (England), Disabled Students' Allowance team, 2026, Section: Speech-to-text software (question 21).
Open the original- What it measures
- This is a proposal in a public consultation that closed on 18 June 2026. The department had not published its decision in the sources we checked on 16 October 2026. It applies to the England route of the Disabled Students' Allowance.
- What it does not show
- A proposal, not a rule in force. The consultation text says the department will make exceptions case by case, and the final wording may change after the responses are reviewed.