Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Non-Medical Assistance (NMA) Scheme

The DRC administers the Non-Medical Assistance (NMA) Scheme, which provides disabled students at the University of Cambridge with the additional support they require to complete their course. Non-Medical Assistants (NMAs) are recruited from applicants with relevant backgrounds and qualifications, including students of the University who have been granted permission by their college to join the Scheme.

Examples of the support provided by the NMA Scheme:

• Note-taking
• Library assistance
• Practical support
• Mentoring
• Amanuensis

The DRC recruits and trains NMAs, and matches them to disabled students who require support, and who have applied for, or have in place, funding to pay for it (usually Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)). NMAs are paid weekly via the University's Temporary Employment Service (TES), which then charges the DRC to provide this payroll service. The DRC then recovers costs from the student's funding body.

Further information

• If you are a disabled University student who could benefit from the Scheme, please contact the DRC to meet an Adviser.
• If you are interested in becoming an NMA please view our Prospective NMAs page.
• If you are a current NMA you will find useful information on our Current NMAs page. All current NMAs are required to read in full the Duties and Responsibilities section before signing their contract.