Planning Ahead: Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities 2014 - 2015 Edition
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Table of Contents
ABOUT THIS RESOURCE PAPER 5
WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? 6
FOUR TYPES OF AID 6 FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID 6 THE HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATIONAL RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2010 8
WHICH APPLICATION DO I COMPLETE? 8
THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT (DOMA) & IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TITLE IV STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 9
WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION? 9
WHAT IS THE COST OF ATTENDANCE? 10
WHAT IS FINANCIAL NEED? 11
WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID PROCESS? 12 WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE? 13 WHAT EXPENSES ARE DISABILITY RELATED? 14
HOW DOES VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FIT INTO THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS? 16
IS THERE A COORDINATION BETWEEN THE VR AGENCIES AND THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICES? 17
STUDENT VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES 18
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATE STUDY? 18
ARE THERE OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE? 19
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME 19 SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS 19 TALENT SEARCH, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, & SPECIAL SERVICES FOR DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS 20 STATE PROGRAMS 20 PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS 20 SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICES 21 INTERNET SEARCHES 22 FOUNDATION CENTER 23 ALTERNATIVE LOANS 23
SELECTED RESOURCES 24
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES 26
SCHOLARSHIPS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO DISABILITY
ADHD 26 AUTISM 26 BRAIN INJURY 26 BRAIN TUMOR 27 CANCER 27 CYSTIC FIBROSIS 28 DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING 28 DOWN SYNDROME 29 EPILEPSY 29 HEMOPHILIA AND VAN WILLEBAND DISEASE OR OTHER BLEEDING DISORDERS 30 HYDROCHEPHALUS 31 INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY 31 IMMUNE DEFICIENCY 31 LEARNING DISABILITIES 31 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 32 PHYSICAL DISABILITIES 32 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 33 SENSORY DISABILITIES 33 SCHIZOPHRENIA AND RELATED SCHIZOPHRENIA-SPECTRUM DISORDERS 34 SPINA BIFIDA 34 VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 34 GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS 36
SCHOLARSHIPS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO FIELD OF STUDY
ACCOUNTING 37 ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 37 COMMUNICATION SCIENCES 37 COMPUTER SCIENCES AND RELATED TECHNICAL STUDIES 37 CREATIVE ARTS 37 HEARING AUDIOLOGY 37 INTELLIGENCE 38 LAW 38 LIBRARY SCIENCE 38 MUSIC 38 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 38 PERSONAL TRAINING 38 PHYSICAL THERAPY 39 PUBLIC HEALTH 39 SCIENCE OR ENGINEERING 39 SPEECH AND LANGUAGE 39 TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION 39
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APPENDIX A: PRE COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST 41
APPENDIX B: FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAM SUMMARY 42
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About this Resource Paper
While education beyond high school in the Obtaining financial aid can be a complex United States is optional, it has become a process due to many laws and regulations that necessary investment in future employment govern various aid programs. Therefore, and life satisfaction for many people. Most, becoming knowledgeable about student however, cannot afford to make this financial aid is extremely important. As the investment without some outside monetary costs of a postsecondary education rise, assistance. Over the years, public and private keeping informed about changes in the sources of money have been developed financial aid system becomes imperative. specifically to meet this need. As increasing, but limited, amounts of money have become This resource paper provides an overview of available, a standardized method of student financial aid and discusses the roles determining eligibility has evolved to promote and responsibilities of those who play a equitable distribution of student financial aid. significant part in the process of providing aid
to students with disabilities. The paper also Financial aid is a partnership among the addresses the financial aid application student, parents, postsecondary educational procedure and suggests timelines and institutions, state and federal governments, resources for those individuals who are seeking and available private resources. For the student financial aid. The information in this paper was with a disability, the partnership also may based on the best available information at the include a Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and time of publication in January 2014 and the Social Security Administration. This reflects information for the 2014-2015 school partnership requires cooperation from all year. This is a resource paper for students, entities and an understanding of their unique parents, and all professionals who assist responsibilities within the financial aid process. students with disabilities in securing financial
assistance for postsecondary education.
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It is recommended that students and families Four types of aid are available: use this resource paper in conjunction with The Guide to Federal Student Aid (Published Grants—Need-based aid that generally September 2013) by the U.S. Department of does not have to be repaid. Education, available on the Internet, http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/fun Loans—Money borrowed to cover ding-your-education.pdf. school costs, which must be repaid (usually with interest) over a specified The discussion below covers the various types period of time (usually after the student of financial aid, the technical words and has left school or graduated). phrases used to describe them, and the process involved in their disbursement. Particular Work-study—Employment that enables attention is given to those expenses that are a student to earn money toward a considered disability-related, and suggestions portion of school costs during or are made about ways in which some of those between periods of enrollment. expenses may be met. In addition, a brief description of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Scholarships—Gifts and awards based Agencies, the services that they may provide, on student’s academic merit, talent, and the interaction between the state VR achievement, background or other agency and the financial aid office of a criteria. It is aid that generally does not postsecondary institution. Finally, suggestions have to be repaid. are offered about additional possibilities for financial assistance. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID
WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? The federal government contributes to the first three types of student financial aid. Financial aid is designed to help individuals These programs are explained in a booklet meet their educational expenses when their called Funding Your Education --The Guide to own resources are not sufficient. A student Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department who believes that his or her own and family of Education. For a free copy (English and resources are not sufficient to pay for all the Spanish), write to: U.S Department of costs of attendance (tuition, room and Education’s Publication Center, or call (877) board, books, transportation, campus 4ED-PUBS (1-887-433-7827) or (877) 576-7734 activities, etc.) should apply for financial aid (TTY), or online: www.edpubs.gov. This through the financial aid office of the publication is available in alternate formats, institution he or she plans to attend. such as Braille, large print, or CD by contacting the U.S. Department of Education’s Publication Center at 1-877-4ED-PUBS (1-877- 433-7827) or 1-877-576-7734 (TTY).
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The programs described in the chart at the end maximum amount of the Pell Grant. An of this booklet are (see Appendix B): individual may serve up to two terms and earn up to two education awards. In addition, 1. Federal Pell Grants postsecondary institutions are recruiting 2. Federal Supplemental Educational AmeriCorps alumni by offering to match the Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) education award. To learn about which 3. Teacher Education Assistance for College institutions are offering to match the education and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants awards, please go to: 4. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americ 5. Federal Work-Study (FWS) orps/segal-americorps-education- 6. Federal Perkins Loans award/matching-institutions. For more 7. William D. Ford Direct Loans including: information about exchanging national or a. Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and community service for educational funding, unsubsidized) contact AmeriCorps at (202) 606-5000 or TTY: b. Federal Direct PLUS Loans (parents and (800) 833-3722 or visit their web site: graduate students) http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/ame ricorps All of these, except PLUS and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans as well as TEACH Grants, Some colleges, states, and other entities may are based on the financial need of the student also offer grant aid that is merit-based, which and his or her family. Although the PLUS and means that funds are provided to students unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan programs do without regard to financial need if certain not take into account any family contribution, conditions (such as high grades) are met. The these loans (individually or combined) cannot financial aid administrator at the school of your exceed the difference between the student’s choice is the best resource for locating merit- cost of attending a postsecondary institution based or any other financial aid resources for and the student’s other financial aid (including attending that school. scholarships).
Financial assistance is also available through Students can only receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to six years and/or twelve semesters. To AmeriCorps, a program authorized under the learn more about the Federal Pell Grant Lifetime National and Community Service Trust Act of Eligibility Used (LEU), please go to: 1993. The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants- provides individuals ages 17 and over with the scholarships/pell/calculate-eligibility. opportunity to earn education awards of $5,645 in exchange for full-time service of at least one year or part-time service of at least two years in an approved program of community service. The education awards correspond to the
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The Health Care and Education The U.S. Department of Education has increased Reconciliation Act of 2010 Financial Aid Awareness through workshops, online resources, and scholarship funds. Students & families sure to check http://studentaid.ed.gov/ On March 30, 2010, President Obama signed Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act website often! of 2010. The Act eliminated the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), increased funding in the Pell Grant program, funded a WHICH APPLICATION DO I new Federal Direct Perkins Loan program, and COMPLETE? increase funding in other higher education and
K12 programs. All students applying for federal assistance are required to complete the Free Application for The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no Act is designed make college more affordable charge to complete or process the FAFSA. for Americans. This Act promises to produce Students should not go to websites that charge more college graduates and strengthen money to complete the FAFSA! community colleges and training programs for a highly skilled workforce. The Department of Education develops the
FAFSA in both English and Spanish versions. Recent changes due to the Act: The FAFSA is available in electronic and paper New formula Pell Grant awards formats. To apply, students may use any of the beginning in 2013-2014 school year following formats: Increased funding to historically Black
colleges and universities to 2019 • FAFSA on the Web Student income-based loan repayments • The paper FAFSA for new borrowers, beginning in July 1, • Downloadable PDF FAFSA 2014, will be at 10% of the amount by a which a borrower’s and the borrower’s The electronic version, known as FAFSA on the spouse adjusted gross income exceeds Web allows students to complete and submit a 150% of the poverty line. FAFSA. Students who file a FAFSA After 20 years, student loan repayment electronically may request an electronic access is forgiven. For individuals who decide code number or PIN. The PIN serves as an to go into public service (e.g., teachers, electronic signature for the student and the nurses, and military service members) dependent student’s parent when completing will be forgiven for their debt after 10 the FAFSA electronically. The PIN also serves years. as an identifier to access personal federal (Health Care and Education student aid information in various Department Reconciliation Act, 2010) of Education databases. All students and dependent parents of students can learn more
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9 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center about FAFSA on the Web and the PIN process estimated family contribution (EFC) calculation on the following web site: www.fafsa.gov. purposes. Therefore, a student will be considered to be an independent student for Copies of the paper FAFSA are available by purposes of FAFSA completion and EFC contacting the Federal Student Aid calculation, if the student is legally married, Information Center at (800) 4-FED-AID (433- without regard to whether the student is in a 3243) or 319-337-5665. If an individual is deaf same-sex or opposite-sex marriage. For a or hard of hearing, contact the TTY line for the dependent student, the parental information paper FAFSA at 1-800-730-8913. required to be reported on the FAFSA, and which will be used in the EFC calculation, will Once the application has been processed, be that of both of the student's parents, again students will receive the processed result in without regard to whether the parents are in a one of two ways: same-sex or opposite-sex marriage.
• Students who provide an e-mail address For more information about the Defense of on the application will receive an e-mail Marriage Act and applying for federal financial notification containing a direct link to aid, you can go to: https://fafsa.ed.gov/ the student's Student Aid Report (SAR) data on the Web. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION? • Students who do not provide an e-mail address on the paper or electronic The estimated family contribution (EFC) is the FAFSA will receive either 1) a paper amount of money the family of a student is SAR, or 2) a paper SAR expected to contribute toward college acknowledgement. expenses. The family includes the student and the student’s parents in the case of a dependent student, or the student (and THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT spouse, if any) in the case of an independent (DOMA) AND THE IMPLICATIONS student. The amount the family is expected to FOR THE TITLE IV STUDENT contribute is calculated by a standardized FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS formula that takes into account the family’s financial resources (income and assets), family The U.S. Department of Education has size, and basic living expenses. The calculation provided guidance on the impact of the of family contribution is based on information Supreme Court's decision on same-sex provided by the student’s family on a marriages on federal student aid and especially standardized need analysis form. The when completing the FAFSA. For purposes of estimated family contribution will be reported completing the FAFSA, legally married same- on the Student Aid Report (SAR). sex couples will be treated as married for all FAFSA and expected family contribution or
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Before completing the FAFSA, students must will need to file an additional form to apply for first determine their dependency status. If, for such aid. The financial aid office can either the purposes of applying for financial aid, the supply you with any additional forms needed to student is considered to be dependent, then apply for state aid or tell you how to obtain the the student and the student’s parents must necessary forms. If you reside in a state other complete the FAFSA. than the one in which the college is located, the college can tell you where to obtain this If the student is considered to be independent, information for the state in which you reside. only the student (and the student’s spouse, if married) must complete the FAFSA. A student WHAT IS THE COST OF may qualify as financially independent if he or ATTENDANCE? she was born before January 1, 1991, is married as of the date he or she applies, will be a Each college or university must estimate the graduate or professional student at the start of costs a student will reasonably encounter in the award year, is currently serving on active order to attend that institution. Cost of duty for purposes other than training, is a attendance will always include a figure for veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, has tuition and fees. Supplies needed for dependents other than a spouse, was an coursework are sometimes included in tuition, orphan, foster child, or ward/dependent of the but more often books and supplies are court at any time since the age of 13, is an estimated separately. Cost of attendance will emancipated minor, is in legal guardianship or include estimates for living expenses— was determined at any time since July 1, 2013 primarily room and board, as well as a to be an unaccompanied youth who was moderate amount for transportation and homeless or was self-supporting and at risk of miscellaneous personal expenses. Cost of being homeless or a student for whom a attendance is sometimes called “cost of financial aid administrator makes a education” or “student budget.” documented determination of independence by reason of unusual circumstances. For students living in dormitories or other local housing, cost of attendance estimates may Students who are applying for non-federal include transportation for trips between the financial assistance from postsecondary student’s home and the college or university at institutions may be required to complete an the beginning and end of the period of additional form. Check with the financial aid attendance, as well as any breaks during which offices of the colleges or universities that you the institution closes its housing facilities. are interested in attending to determine what For a student commuting daily from home, additional forms for non-federal assistance you transportation includes a reasonable amount should file. for commuting, usually using public transportation if it is available. Purchase of a The financial aid office can also tell you about car for commuting purposes may not be the availability of state aid and whether you considered an education-related expense,
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11 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center although the basic maintenance of a car during minimum definitions for undergraduate the student’s enrollment may be included. students that must be used when determining Also, schools may include a reasonable the amount of a student’s federal financial aid. allowance for the documented rental or Although a college or university may increase purchase of a personal computer into the cost the amount of work required to classify a of attendance. student as full-time, an institution may not reduce the federal minimum definition for In addition, costs related to a student’s any reason. However, a college or university particular personal circumstances may also be may allow a student with unusual included if they are incurred as a result of circumstances (such as a disability) extra time attending the college or university. For to complete his or her program and may award example, cost of attendance may include day- financial aid during the extra terms or periods care costs for students with dependent of enrollment. children. Expenses associated with a period of study abroad that is part of the student’s The amount of tuition estimated for a student educational program, or during a cooperative attending on a part-time basis is generally less education experience, may also increase a than the amount estimated for full-time student’s cost of attendance. If a student or a attendance. The allowances for books and parent borrower receives a federal student travel might also be less for a part-time loan, the loan fees associated with the loan are student. Allowances for room and board for a added to the student’s cost of attendance. limited duration are permitted, however, certain other costs are eliminated entirely for Costs related to a student’s disability might students who attend less than halftime. In also be included under certain circumstances addition to affecting a student’s cost of (see section entitled “What Expenses Are attendance, part-time enrollment directly Considered Disability Related?”). A student who affects the maximum amount allowable under believes his or her costs are higher than the certain aid programs. standard estimated by the college or university should ask to speak with the WHAT IS FINANCIAL NEED? institution’s financial aid administrator to determine how to reduce the extra expenses. The financial need of a student is the difference between the student’s educational expenses Whether a student is taking classes on a full- and the amount of money the family is time or part-time basis may also impact expected to contribute. In general terms, the his or her cost of attendance. A student’s formula to determine financial need is shown in “enrollment status” is usually measured as full- the top of the next page. There is no time, three-quarter time, half-time, or less guarantee, however, that any one institution than half-time. The definition of these will be able to meet the total financial need of measurements may vary at different any given student. institutions, but federal rules establish certain
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postsecondary educational institutions (U.S. Financial Need Department of Education, 2013). The scope of the financial aid system requires that the
Cost of Attendance application process be standardized. Describing special circumstances or needs,
Tuition, fees, books and supplies, therefore, may require additional effort on the personal computers, room, board, transportation, personal expenses, part of the applicant.
dependent care, loan fees, expenses related to disability; st udy abroad Applicants who have special needs, such as costs; cooperative education costs.* disability-related expenses, should express
those needs to the aid administrator at the EFC Contribution postsecondary institution. Because of the
complexity of the system, however, they must Amount family and/or student are take care to express those needs within the expected to contribute toward cost of education (contribution from income context of the system as explained below. or assets, social security benefits,
etc.). According to many directors of financial aid, taking care to be early and accurate in applying Financial Need for aid is the most important step in the financial aid process. Students can apply Amount of demonstrat ed need to beginning January 1, 2014; students have until be packaged. (See subheading June 30, 2015 to submit their FAFSA for the “What Is a Financial Aid 2014-15 award year. Package?”).
Campus financial aid administrators suggest
that a family complete the tax information in *Some expenses may not be considered in the time to file the FAFSA (and any additional non- determination of financial need. (See subheading “What Expenses Are Considered Disability federal forms) by the college’s or university’s Related?”). deadline, or use an estimate rather than delay completing and processing the form. A processed application can be corrected if the actual IRS tax information differs from the estimate. If an individual’s processed aid WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL AID application is not received by the date PROCESS? specified by the college or university, the student may lose priority for many forms of The financial aid process is designed to aid, both federal and institutional. Students equitably serve the approximately 14 million and their families should be aware that undergraduate and graduate students because aid application deadlines vary from currently enrolled at more than 7,000
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13 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center institution to institution and may call for Note: The aid amounts are for illustration differing information, early preparation would purposes only and do not necessarily reflect ensure that all deadlines could be met with actual amounts a student could expect from a appropriate information. similar school.
If the college or university requests SCHOOL A SCHOOL B documentation of application information, COST OF ATTENDANCE $5,000 $ 10,000 such as signed tax returns or verification FAMILY CONTRIBUTION $1,000 $ 1,000 statements, the family must comply by the Need for Financial Aid (cost $4,000 $ 9,000 deadlines for those documents to keep the aid minus family contribution) application process on track. It is also SOURCES OF FINANCIAL important to note that students must reapply AID Federal Pell Grant $1,100 $1,100 for financial aid every year. Federal FSEOG $1,500 $1,000 Federal Perkins $ 0 $500 Federal Work-Study $ 0 $1,500 WHAT IS A FINANCIAL AID Aid from Institution $ 400 $2,000 Federal Subsidized Stafford $1,000 $2,500 PACKAGE? Loan
Total Financial Aid $4,000 $8,600 A financial aid package is a combination of financial aid resources (grants, scholarships, Total Unmet Financial Need $0 $400 (To be met from outside loans, work-study) put together by the sources, such as: additional family institution’s financial aid administrator and contribution, Federal designed to meet, as closely as possible, a Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, PLUS Loans, student’s financial need. The amount and types private employment, of assistance in a package depend on the cost local/disability-specific scholarships, etc.) of attendance at a particular institution, the student’s need, availability of funds at the institution, and funds available from outside In the examples above, School B offers $8,600 sources. Thus, a student may be offered two this year, whereas School A offers less than different financial aid packages if he or she half of that. However, if the student chooses applies to two different institutions. Students School B, he or she must find $400 more than should compare not only the dollars offered, the expected family contribution. On the other but also the composition of the financial aid hand, School B may have the academic package from each institution. The following program of choice and the necessary support examples illustrate different packages of services. Thus, the student may believe that in financial aid that a student might be offered at the long run, School B is the right choice. two different institutions. School A costs $5,000 to attend, and School B costs $10,000. In addition to comparing the total dollars (See box on the top of the next page.) offered in aid by each institution, however, students need to consider level of indebtedness, terms of loan repayment, and
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14 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center the institution’s policy on how the aid packages • Medical expenses not covered by will be constructed in subsequent years. insurance that relate directly to the Students, their families, financial aid individual’s disability. personnel, and, where relevant, rehabilitation counselors of students with disabilities should Students should be sure to inform the aid evaluate the amount of debt a student can administrator of disability-related expenses reasonably repay after graduating. Career that may previously have been covered by the choices often determine (or are determined by) family budget. These may include food and a student’s level of indebtedness and expected veterinary bills for guide dogs, batteries for wages and salary to repay financial aid loans. hearing aids, and/or the cost of recruiting and To learn more about repayment, please go to training readers or personal care attendants. Federal Student Aid website: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans. Leaving home often necessitates the purchase of new or additional equipment that will allow From year to year, financial aid administrators the student to be independent at college. For may vary the combination of grant, example, the student’s secondary school may scholarship, loan, and work-study money in a have furnished an adapted computer or other student’s aid package, emphasizing loans for disability-related equipment, but that freshmen and work-study or scholarships in equipment belongs to and remains at the high later years—or the other way around. school after the student graduates. Students Institutions have packaging policies on with disabilities should seek assistance from awarding financial aid package that may vary the Office of Disability Support Services and/or as a student matriculates in his or her academic the Financial Aid Office to determine disability- program. Ask the financial aid administrator related expenses. what the institution’s policy is beyond the first year of study. Once these expenses have been identified, students should provide the financial aid WHAT EXPENSES ARE CONSIDERED administrator with documentation of any DISABILITY RELATED? disability-related expense that is necessary to ensure attainment of the student’s educational The student with a disability is often faced with goal. Where applicable, this documentation additional expenses not incurred by other should also state the amounts that will be students. These may include: covered by insurance and other assisting • Special equipment (related to the agencies. Depending on the institution, disability) and its maintenance. documentation may be simply a written • Cost of services for personal use or study, statement of explanation by the student or an such as readers, interpreters, note takers, official statement by a doctor or Vocational or personal care attendants. Rehabilitation counselor. To be certain of the • Transportation, if traditional means are appropriate documentation, the student not accessible. should check with the institution’s financial aid
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15 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center office. By virtue of provisions within the ADA please go to our Selected Resources section at Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), Higher the end of our paper to find the book entitled, Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), “Think College! Postsecondary Education Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), and Options for Students with Intellectual Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Disabilities” written by Meg Grigal and Debra as amended all public and private Hart. postsecondary institutions are required to provide reasonable accommodations for Some special equipment and support services students with documented disabilities who may be available at the postsecondary request them. institution, through public or private community organizations, through the state Due to the landmark HEOA 2008 legislation, Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, or through students with Intellectual Disabilities with the organizations for people with disabilities. The support of the federal government will have an student should check with the Student Services opportunity to receive Pell Grants, Personnel, 504 Coordinator, or Office of Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Disability Support Services at the and Federal Work-Study Program if accepted postsecondary institution. into a postsecondary institution. They must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a One of the most valuable resources to a new comprehensive transition and postsecondary student is the network of students with program for students with intellectual disabilities already on campus. Students with disabilities (approved by the U.S. Department disabilities who have had similar experiences of Education) and must maintain satisfactory and similar needs are likely to have practical academic progress as determined by the advice and low-cost solutions to problems that school for this program. These students: incoming students with disabilities frequently encounter. All students planning or thinking of • do not have to be enrolled for the purpose attending a postsecondary education setting of obtaining a degree or certificate, and should visit the Disability Support Services office on campus. Oftentimes, Disability • are not required to have a high school Support Services coordinators will work the diploma or its recognized equivalent. student and the student’s family in setting up opportunities for potential students to meet For more information on these opportunities current students with disabilities on campus. for students with Intellectual Disabilities in accessing postsecondary education, please go Regardless of whether the student is able to to the Federal Student Aid website: obtain any special equipment or services http://studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/intellectual- through the institution or elsewhere, it is still disabilities. For more information on HEOA important to let the financial aid administrator 2008 and postsecondary education supports know of any anticipated expenses. Such for students with Intellectual Disabilities, information is considered in the determination
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16 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center of the student’s cost of attendance. It is also the counselor will carefully consider a student’s important to understand that disability-related educational plans and their impact on potential expenses that are covered by other assisting for employment. Students should consider agencies cannot also be covered by financial bringing a copy of the Summary of aid from the school. Performance (SOP) that was developed during the Individual Education Program (IEP) HOW DOES VOCATIONAL transition planning process. If there is a desire REHABILITATION FIT INTO THE to explore VR services to support FINANCIAL AID PROCESS? postsecondary education, this should be discussed during the IEP transition planning Assistance to students with disabilities is often meeting. This facilitates VR access to school provided by state Vocational Rehabilitation records. While initial counseling and (VR) agencies. In some states there are two evaluation are open to all applicants, the agencies: a general agency and one for people counselor may determine that an applicant is who are blind or visually impaired. In other not eligible for services, or that an individual states, there is one agency serving all people cannot be offered services immediately due to with disabilities. State Vocational the order of selection (i.e., the requirement Rehabilitation agency titles vary from state to that VR agencies provide services on a priority state, and thus may be hard to locate in the basis to individuals with the most significant telephone directory. You may contact a state disabilities). Every state is different in how VR education agency, public library, or State agencies implement the order of selection. To Business Leadership Network for the see an example of a state’s order of selection, telephone number and address of your local VR go to http://www.vadrs.org/oosbrochure.htm agency. Or, for a state-by-state directory of to see how Virginia categorizes their order of Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, go to selection. http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/o rg_list.cfm?category_id=svr. Among the services that may be provided by VR agencies to a student who is a client are: The local Vocational Rehabilitation agency has VR counselors who can help a person with a • Help with tuition expenses. disability determine eligibility for services. The • Room and board. VR program is an eligibility program, rather • Transportation/ commuting expenses. than an entitlement program. To be eligible for • Books and supplies. services, an individual must have an • Out of class reader services for people impairment that results in a substantial who are blind or who have learning impediment to employment and he/she must disabilities; interpreter services for require VR services for employment. The people who are hearing impaired; primary goal of a VR counselor is to assist the and/or individually prescribed aids and individual to achieve employment; therefore devices.
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17 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
• Telecommunications, sensory, and Most states have developed working other technological aids and devices. agreements between state associations of • Other goods and services that help an financial aid administrators and Vocational individual with a disability become Rehabilitation administrators. These employed. agreements allow for a coordinated effort in providing funds for students with disabilities in Services provided to an individual must be participating states. The agreement, or authorized in advance in an Individualized Plan memorandum of understanding, establishes for Employment (IPE) mandated in the the process a VR agency and postsecondary Workforce Reinvestment Act of 1998 (WIA) educational institution will follow in developed by the eligible individual and determining the aid to be granted to a VR approved by a VR counselor. People with client/student. It is important to note that the disabilities served by VR under an IPE are federal Rehabilitation Act (part of WIA), as required to use available resources from other amended, requires that students served by a federal or state agencies (e.g., “comparable VR agency apply for student financial aid. benefits”) before a commitment of VR funds is Through standardized information exchange made. Some states have a financial need policy forms, the VR and financial aid offices are kept that requires the individual to contribute abreast of what the other is doing. The process toward the cost of certain services, depending is not a simple one; it takes time and requires a on ability to pay. constant effort by both offices and the student. Often a student’s aid package is recalculated There are differences between states’ VR several times as new information is provided by programs and policies because each state either office. administers its own program within the provisions of a state plan developed under the The best advice for a student with a disability in requirements of the Act and federal VR the quest for financial assistance is to contact regulations and approved by the U.S. as early as possible both the VR agency where Department of Education. For example, some the student is a client and the financial aid states may have a policy favoring attendance office of the institution the student plans to at in-state public institutions of postsecondary attend to be sure to meet both their deadlines. education. For additional information, go to The institution will determine the student’s the HEATH Resource Center website eligibility for financial assistance and develop (www.heath.gwu.edu) and read the module an award package. Meanwhile, VR will also titled Rehabilitation Services. determine the student’s additional disability- related needs and, if possible, award funds. IS THERE COORDINATION BETWEEN The institution can examine the student’s THE VR AGENCIES AND THE expenses and recalculate what is not covered FINANCIAL AID OFFICES? by the VR agency, and, if funds allow, the student’s aid may be increased. Even with excellent cooperation between the financial aid
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18 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center administrator and the Vocational reviewed on an annual basis to track progress Rehabilitation counselor, there still may be a or much needed revisions. need for additional family funds or loans. If the rehabilitation plan of the service Student Veterans with Disabilities connected veteran is educational, financial aid benefits will fall under one of the following: Student veterans with disabilities may be Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services Educational Assistance Program or the Post through their state Vocational Rehabilitation Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance agency as well as through the Veterans Program. A complete listing of details for the Administration (VA). Benefits include following benefits can be found at education, medical services, counseling, and/or http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/. The most training for employment. For veterans whose important step if you are a student veteran disabilities are deemed so severe that they with a disability is to complete an application cannot work, vocational rehabilitation offers and meet with a vocational rehabilitation services to improve their ability to live as counselor immediately to assess your needs independently as possible. and next steps.
In order to be eligible for Vocational To learn more information about financial aid Rehabilitation and Employment services for veterans, please see a blog that was written (VR&E), one must be evaluated. A vocational by a veteran currently completing rehabilitation counselor will complete an his graduate degree, 3 Things You May Not evaluation if you have received a discharge that Know About Financial Aid for Veterans. is other than dishonorable, have a service For more information on student veterans connected disability rating of 10%, complete a transitioning to the postsecondary VR&E application and fall within a 12-year basic environment, please see our module for period of eligibility. This basic period of student veterans on the HEATH Resource eligibility can be extended by the Center website, www.heath.gwu.edu. In vocational rehab counselor if the veteran has a addition, the Federal Student Aid website serious disability. highlights aid for military families. To learn more about these opportunities, please go to: Once eligibility is established a VR&E counselor http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants- will assess interest, goals, abilities and the scholarships/military. service connected disability. The veteran and counselor will work together to establish a IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR rehabilitation plan. This plan is an GRADUATE STUDY? individualized written outline of services, resources and used for a successful The increasing importance of graduate or rehabilitation. The agreement is signed and professional degrees has caused concern over the availability of funds for graduate study.
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19 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
After a student completes an undergraduate The amount of SSI payment is dependent on degree program, he or she is no longer eligible the income and resources of the client. (If the for certain federal and state funds. Other student is under l8, some of the parents’ programs may serve graduate students, but income and resources will be included.) The only after all undergraduates have been student should be aware that earnings from served. Because there is the expectation of work-study or other employment may affect employability after completion of a technical, SSI benefits. The Social Security community college, or undergraduate degree Administration has a program called, Plan for program, state VR agencies may be reluctant Achieving Self Support (PASS). If the Social to fund graduate studies. Nevertheless, there Security Administration approves a PASS, the are other sources of funding available designed student would be able to set aside income and specifically for advanced degrees. resources that are being used toward a specific vocational goal (tuition, savings for equipment Many students use the traditional routes of or other needs) and continue to receive SSI institutional scholarships in their field of study, payments. Plans can be developed by part-time or alternate-semester employment, Community Work Incentive coordinators, loans, savings, assistantships, and family public or private social agencies or groups, contributions as the primary routes to a anyone assisting the student, or by the graduate degree. The college’s graduate student. For more information on SSI and the program or academic department can provide Plan for Achieving Self Support, contact your information about funding. For more local Social Security Administration office or go information on graduate student financial aid to: resources, please see the HEATH Resource http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearc Center website (www.heath.gwu.edu). In h/wi/pass.htm addition, the Federal Student Aid website has a couple of resources: Social Security Benefits 1. Federal Student Aid for Adult Students 2. Financial Aid for Graduate and The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Professional Degree Students program allows workers and eligible dependents to receive monthly cash benefits ARE THERE OTHER POSSIBLE because of a period of disability. A student who SOURCES OF FINANCIAL has been employed may file based on his or her ASSISTANCE? own work record. If the parents of a student with a disability have filed for Social Security or
if a parent is deceased, the student may also Supplemental Security Income qualify for dependents’ benefits based on the
parent’s work record. For further information Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal on the student provisions and eligibility program that provides financial assistance to requirements of the various Social Security people who are aged, blind, or disabled and who have little or no income and resources.
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20 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center programs, contact your local Social Security State Programs Administration office. Most states now offer some form of student Talent Search, Educational assistance. To find out the details of state Opportunity Centers, and Special grants and loans, students should contact their Services for Disadvantaged Students high school counselor or college financial aid administrator. For a listing of the agency that Talent Search and Educational Opportunity offers assistance for higher education in their Centers are federally funded programs located state of residence, students can go to at various sites across the country. Some are http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/o part of a postsecondary institution, and some rg_list.cfm?category_ID=SHE. The National have been established as part of a private or Association of Student Financial Aid public organization. These programs were set Administrators (NASFAA) provides a map of up to provide counseling and other services to the United States that will allow students to disadvantaged students and students with search financial aid programs by state, disabilities. One of the responsibilities of the http://www.nasfaa.org/students/State_Financi program is to help place students and al_Aid_Programs.aspx. sometimes help them negotiate financial assistance with their postsecondary Private Scholarships institutions. Many colleges also have federally funded programs for disadvantaged students, A variety of unique situations, which may have including those with disabilities. These nothing to do with disability, may make a programs provide certain services and student eligible for private scholarships. They academic assistance, and may provide financial may include, for example, parents’ place or assistance as well. type of work, military experience, and ethnic background, or student’s career goals, religious The programs vary by campus, check with the affiliation, or extracurricular activities. college or university of your choice to see if there is a Special Services Program and Scholarships may be researched by purchasing what services are offered. For more or borrowing books about financial aid from a information on Federal TRIO Programs, school or public library. Several of these are contact the Division of Student Service, Higher mentioned in the “Selected Resources” section Education Programs, U.S. Department of th at the end of this paper. In addition to these Education, 1990 K Street, NW, 7 Floor, unique scholarships, there are private Washington, DC 20006-8510 or call (202) 502- scholarships funded by Disability Support 7600. Email: [email protected]. Information Organizations (DSO) that offer scholarships for can be accessed online at people with disabilities. Several of these types http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/ of scholarships are mentioned in the index.html
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21 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
“Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources” Examples of private scholarship sources are section at the end of this paper. In addition, listed below. students should utilize online scholarship sources such as, www.scholarships.com, • The International Kiwanis Club www.collegescholarships.com, and recommends checking with local Kiwanis www.petersons.com. organizations to see if they offer scholarships. To find the telephone In general, the best resource for all students, number of your local chapter, call (800) including those with disabilities, is the financial 549-2647 (dial 411) or (317) 875-8755 (dial aid administrator at the college being 411). To check online, please go to considered. The financial aid administrator has http://www.kiwanis.org/foundation/news/ been trained to understand and explain the foundation/2013/05/06/kiwanis-family- complex system of financial aid. In addition, scholarship- the financial aid administrator will be familiar opportunities#.UsxmLZEq8fw. with local, state, and private sources of funding • For scholarships offered through the Elks and able to tie these together with institutional National Foundation in Chicago, IL, call resources to create the most advantageous (773) 755-4732. To check online, please go financial aid package for the student. to http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/. • Local chapters of the Rotary Club offer Keep in mind, however, that any problems scholarships for overseas study. Call (866) encountered in applying to a college or 976-8279 for more information. To check university, or in completing the financial aid online, please go to application in a thorough and timely manner, https://www.rotary.org. could adversely affect the quality of any • Call the Lions Club International at (630) financial aid package for which a student may 571-5466 to find the telephone number for be eligible. Students may apply to, and “shop” the District Governor in your area, who among, several colleges for the most can inform you about scholarship advantageous combination of academic opportunities. excellence and financial aid available. Due to the lead-time involved in the college/financial Scholarship Search Services aid process, “smart shoppers” will begin the process of looking for a college or university Entrepreneurs in many cities have established and preparing to apply for financial aid up to scholarship search services that have two years in advance of high school information about thousands of scholarships graduation. nationwide and that provide—for a fee—lists of those most appropriate for individual clients. These services usually can be found in the yellow pages or from a long-distance information operator in various large cities (San Francisco, New York, Houston, and
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22 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center others) under names such as Scholarship Internet, including several search services that Information Service or Scholarship Search. Be charge no fee at all (see the following section, forewarned, however, that the value of the “Internet Searches”). information provided by such services can vary considerably. Therefore, as with any other Internet Searches service for which there is a fee, callers should request a written list of exactly what they will Students with Internet access will find a wealth get for their investment and what has been the of information about how to complete the experience of the business in identifying FAFSA, as well as additional grants and scholarships for students with disabilities. scholarships for which they may apply. The following Internet addresses are listed to Remember, as discussed previously, there is facilitate an electronic search. Note that many relatively little grant money made available on web sites offer additional links to other related the basis of disability. Thus, search services are sites. not likely to list scholarships specifically intended for students with specific disabilities. 1. Federal Student Aid through the U.S. Rather, they may identify funds available to Department of Education, offers students by geographic area; area of student information and links relating to federal interest; college or university; professional, student assistance programs: civic, or religious affiliation; or some other http://studentaid.ed.gov. criteria. 2. The FinAid website is a comprehensive The student who is willing to invest some time resource that will connect students with and effort is likely to be just as successful mailing lists, news groups, loan locating funding sources as any fee-charging information, and scholarships for search service might be. Information about special interest groups such as females, federal student aid programs is readily minorities, veterans, etc.: available at no charge (see “Selected www.finaid.org. Resources”), while high school guidance counselors and college financial aid offices are 3. College Board website includes an good resources for information about state- instant profile search of available grants based and institutional aid. Also, the reference and scholarships: section of a college or community college http://www.collegeboard.org. library is likely to have guidebooks and directories listing grants and scholarships. It is 4. Fastweb (Financial Aid Search Through increasingly common for high school guidance the Web) is a searchable database of departments, libraries, and colleges to offer more than 180,000 private sector computerized scholarship searches at little or scholarships, fellowships, grants, and no cost. Finally, there are numerous resources loans. The website is used by colleges about financial aid and scholarships on the across the United States, Fastweb is
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23 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
available to you at no charge through database of more than 850,000 the Internet, courtesy of the Financial scholarships and grants for Aid Information Page and Student postsecondary study: Services, Inc.: www.fastweb.com. www.petersons.com.
5. Sallie Mae offers an online scholarship 9. Disability.gov’s Guide to Student service containing a database of more Financial Aid provides information and than 3 million scholarships, fellowships, resources about the financial aid grants, loans, internships, competitions, process as well as scholarships for and work-study programs sponsored by students with disabilities, direct loan more than 3,600 organizations: basics for parents, and applying for www.salliemae.com/. federal student aid. Students need to be aware of the student aid deadlines. 6. CollegeNET MACH25 is a free Internet To see the guide, go to: version of the Wintergreen/Orchard https://www.disability.gov/resource/dis House Scholarship Finder database. ability-govs-guide-student-financial- This database contains listings of more aid/. than 500,000 private sector awards from 1,570 sponsors. The database is updated annually: Foundation Center www.collegenet.com/mach25/. The Foundation Center, with headquarters in 7. The National Association of Student Washington, DC, and New York and Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) cooperating collections in nearly 100 cities home page includes free downloadable across the country, can provide the names of publications and tip sheets for students private foundations that donate money for and their parents, Cash For College, particular activities or causes. The Foundation Providing Effective Financial Aid Center has an online-based directory of listings Assistance to Students from Foster Care called Foundation Grants to Individuals Online and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: A arranged in broad categories and available by Key to Higher Education Access and subscription for $19.95 per month. Go to Success, and Student Aid Tips for Unique http://gtionline.fdncenter.org/ to access the Student Aid Populations. The site also guide or call (800) 424-9836 to find the contains links to other financial aid- address of the nearest cooperating collection. related web sites: www.nasfaa.org. Alternative Loans 8. Thomson Peterson’s is a comprehensive site devoted to the process of Alternative loan options should be considered searching, choosing, applying, and if further need is necessary. Alternative loans paying for college and contains a are private loans that can be obtained through
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24 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center local banks, national banks, credit unions, etc. Don’t Miss Out: The Ambitious Student’s These loans are costlier and usually carry high Guide to Financial Aid, (2012) by Anna Leider interest rates ranging from 9-19% as well as and Robert Leider, is one of many special focus additional fees. Alternative loans generally guides produced regularly by Octameron require a credit check and in some cases a co- Associates. This 192-page book is full of useful signer for the loan. Please understand that strategies, helpful hints, and good solid alternative loans should be used as a last planning information, as well as information on option only if your Federal Loan options are the reauthorization of the Higher Education maxed out. Act and a brief section about students with disabilities. SELECTED RESOURCES Others in the series cover academic 1001 Ways to Pay for College: Strategies to scholarships, college grants, loans, cooperative Maximize Financial Aid, Scholarships, and education opportunities, admissions, campus Grants, 6th Edition (2013), by Gen and Kelly visits, and transition from high school to Tanabe, is a book that focuses on assisting college. Don’t Miss Out is available by students on how to save and pay for college. prepaying $14 plus $3 for shipping and The authors provide advice and tips, based on handling to Octameron Associates, PO Box 11 years of research, on how students can pay 2748, Alexandria, VA 22301. The publication for tuition with cost effective ideas such as can also be purchased online at scholarships, 529 investment plans, and www.octameron.com. financial aid. The book provides a list of scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Financial Aid for Persons with Disabilities and authors provide useful advice on how Their Families (2012-2014), by Gail Ann college students can continue to save money Schlachter and R. David Weber, promises to while in college. The book can be purchased at inform readers about the 900 programs that bookstores, or online at www.amazon.com. have been established just for individuals with Cost varies depending on source. disabilities or members of their families. The book is a useful and comprehensive resource College Success for Students with Physical for librarians and counselors, but promises Disabilities, (2012) by Chris Wise Tiedemann, is more than it really delivers. The book is well a book that highlights strategies and tips on organized for use since it has chapters about college success given by students with physical financial aid for people with specific disabilities and disability student service disabilities, and there are sections of each directors. The author profiles colleges friendly chapter for both undergraduate and graduate to students with physical disabilities. In education. However, entries are double and addition, the publication provides a list of triple counted, resulting in inflation of the total questions that students can use to evaluate the number of scholarships and other aids college. Available online at www.amazon.com. included. The book is available for $40 plus $7 Cost varies depending on source. for shipping and handling from Reference
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25 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Service Press, 5000 Windplay Drive, Suite 4, El students. The 128-page booklet contains Dorado Hills, CA 95762, or by calling (916) 939- sources of scholarships, cooperative education 9620. The book can also be purchased online at programs, and career information. To receive a www.rspfunding.com. free copy of the Need A Lift, please go to www.NeedALift.org. Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, created by the U.S. Department The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2014: Billions of Education, is a booklet that describes the of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants, and Prizes federal student aid programs. The booklet is (2013), by Gen and Kelly Tanabe, includes widely available in school and public libraries or several educational experts and previous can be ordered free by writing Federal Student students who share their professional and Aid Programs, Box 84, Washington, DC 20044- personal experiences of the college process 0084, by calling (800) 433-3243, or by firsthand. The chapters discuss topics such as downloading the PDF version from their web where to find the best scholarships, the site: http://studentaid.ed.gov/resources scholarship resume, and how to ace the scholarship interview. The last chapter is Getting Financial Aid 2014: All-New Eighth devoted to a comprehensive scholarship Edition (CollegeBoard Guide to Getting directory organized into eight categories: Financial Aid) created by CollegeBoard, is a general; humanities/arts; social sciences; publication that promises to provide easy, sciences; state of residence; membership (e.g., step-by-step instructions for applying for organizations); ethnicity; disability. Available college aid (scholarships, grants, loans, and on-line at www.amazon.com. Cost varies jobs). The book is split up into four units: depending on source. Financial Aid, Tables and Worksheets, Financial Aid College by College, and Scholarship Lists The U.S. Department of Education’s toll-free which will enable you to find scholarships and number (800) 4-FED-AID / (800) 730-8913 (TTY) other aid at more than 3,000 colleges, may be used by seekers of federal student universities, and technical schools. Available at financial aid information. Toll-free calls from all bookstores, or on-line at www.amazon.com or 50 states and Puerto Rico can be made from www.collegeboard.com. Cost varies 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Monday through depending on source. Friday. Callers will receive a recorded message and will be asked to remain on the line if they Need A Lift? To Educational Opportunities, need additional information or if they have a Careers, Loans, Scholarships, Employment specific question. (annual edition) is a publication of the American Legion covering sources of financial Think College! Postsecondary Education aid and the financial aid process. Special Options for Students with Intellectual emphasis is given to programs for children of Disabilities (2010), by Meg Grigal and Debra deceased or disabled veterans, but the Hart. Forward: Madeline C. Will. This book information is designed to be of service to all highlights the rising need of effective transition
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26 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center practices for students with intellectual publication, all websites were active on the disabilities transitioning to the college Internet. environment. Parents and students will find sample student and parent postsecondary ADHD checklists as well as information on funding for postsecondary education programs. In Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award addition, a chapter in the book shares student Smart Kids with LD and family experiences with postsecondary 38 Kings Highway North education programs. Available at bookstores or online at www.amazon.com or at Westport, CT 06880 Email: [email protected] http://products.brookespublishing.com/Think- http://www.smartkidswithld.org/2014-youth- College-P311.aspx. achievement-award (limited to individuals who have learning disabilities Winning Scholarships for College: An Insider’s and ADHD) Guide, 4th Edition (2013), by Marianne Ragins, who won over $400,000 in scholarship money Autism to pay for her education. A chapter of her book provides a month-by-month step-by-step Autism Society process of planning and applying for 4340 East-West Hwy, Suite 350 scholarships. In addition, the book highlights Bethesda, MD 20814 scholarships for minorities, students with (800) 328-8476 disabilities, athletes, and non-traditional Email: [email protected] students. The book can be purchased at http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/awards- bookstores, as well as on-line at scholarships/ www.amazon.com. Cost varies depending on (limited to individuals who have autism) source. Brain Injury
SCHOLARSHIP AND Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) Academic Scholarships FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES BIAWA P.O. Box 3044 Scholarships designated for students with Seattle, WA 98114 disabilities are extremely limited. Students are (877) 982-4292 urged to read the publications listed in the Email: [email protected] “Selected Resources” section of this paper and http://www.braininjurywa.org/scholarship.php to pursue the scholarships available for criteria (limited to individuals who live in Washington State other than disability. Listed below are and a brain injury survivor) organizations that offer the few disability- specific scholarships that have come to the attention of HEATH staff. At the time of
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
27 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Brain Tumor Patient Advocate Foundation 421 Butler Farm Road Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Hampton, VA 23666 (800) 532-5274 302 Ridgefield Court www.patientadvocate.org/events.php?p=69 Asheville, NC 28806 (offered to patients of cancer or other life threatening (800) 253-6530 illness) Email: [email protected] http://www.curethekids.org/about-us/news- Ryan Mullaly Second Chance Fund room/pbtf-news/2013/scholarship2014.html 26 Meadow Lane (limited to individuals who are brain tumor survivors) Pennington, NJ 08534 Email: [email protected] Cancer http://www.ryans2dchancefund.org (offered to individuals diagnosed with lymphoma (any Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation type) or recurrence of lymphoma between age 13 and P.O. Box 361460 graduation from high school)
Los Angeles, CA 90036 (310) 276-7111 The SAM Fund for Young Adult Survivors of Email: [email protected] Cancer http://andreriveroflife.org/participate/award/ 89 South Street, Suite LL02 Boston, MA 02111 American Cancer Society (617) 938-3484 Email: [email protected] Attn: Youth Scholarship Program http://www.thesamfund.org/grants/ 8317 Elderberry Rd (offered to cancer survivors between the ages of 21 and Madison, WI 53717 39 to provide financial assistance that will help (877) 423-9123 ext. 7581 survivors reach their goals) http://www.cancer.org/myacs/midwest/youthschol arship Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship (limited to individuals who were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 21 and are legal residents of Iowa, Foundation South Dakota, or Wisconsin) 1170 E. Long Place Centennial, CO 80122 Cancer Survivor’s Fund (303) 886-5018 P.O. Box 792 Email: [email protected] Missouri City, TX 77459 http://www.stmfoundation.org (281) 437-7142 (limited to individuals who are cancer survivors and are Fax: (281) 437-9568 legal residents of Colorado and Montana)
Email: [email protected] http://www.cancersurvivorsfund.org/Applications/ HowToApply.htm (limited to individuals who have had cancer or undergoing treatment for cancer)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
28 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults Elizabeth Nash Foundation (ENF) 921 E Fort Ave PO Box 1260 Suite 325 Los Gatos, CA 95031-1260 Baltimore, MD 21230 Email: [email protected] (888) 393-FUND http://www.elizabethnashfoundation.org/scholarsh (410) 964-0202 ipprogram.html http://ulmanfund.org/gethelp/support-programs- (limited to undergraduate and graduate students with resources/scholarships/ cystic fibrosis) (offers several awards to cancer survivors and to children with financial need who lost a parent to Deaf or Hard of Hearing cancer) Alexander Graham Bell Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer – Young Heroes Association for the Deaf Scholarship 3417 Volta Place, NW
1349 Empire Central, #240 Dallas, TX 75247 Washington, DC 20007-2778 (214) 987-4662 (202) 337-5220 (Voice/TTY) Fax: 214-987-4668 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] http://listeningandspokenlanguage.org/Document. http://wokc.org/YoungHeroesScholarships_16.aspx aspx?id=266 (limited to individuals who are cancer survivors) (limited to individuals who are prelingually deaf or hard of hearing and who use speech or speech reading to Cystic Fibrosis communicate)
ABBVIE CF Scholarship American Speech and Language Hearing Email: [email protected] Foundation http://www.abbviecfscholarship.com 2200 Research Boulevard (limited to undergraduate and graduate students with Rockville, MD 20850-3289 cystic fibrosis) (301) 296-8700 Fax: 301-296-8567 Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation E-mail: [email protected] 2814 Grant Street http://www.ashfoundation.org/recipients/scholarsh Evanston, IL 60201 ips/ (847) 328-0127 (limited to students with a disability who are interested Email: [email protected] in enrolling in communication sciences and disorders http://cfscholarship.org programs) (limited to students with cystic fibrosis) Bridges Minnie Pearl Scholarship Program 415 Fourth Avenue South, Suite A Nashville, Tennessee 37201 (615) 290-5147 (615) 248-8828 (Voice/TTY)
(866) 385-6524 Email: [email protected]
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
29 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center http://hearingbridges.org/scholarships/ (intended for high school students with physical, (limited to high school seniors with significant bilateral hearing, vision, and learning disabilities) hearing loss) Sertoma Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) 1912 E. Meyer Blvd., c/o Dr. Jennie E. Pyers Kansas City, MO 64132 Wellesley College (816) 333-8300 106 Central St., SCI480 Email: [email protected] Wellesley, MA 02481 http://www.sertoma.org/Scholarships (413) 650-2632 (limited to students with hearing impairment entering Email: [email protected] or attending college, or graduate students who are http://coda-international.org/blog/scholarship/ preparing for careers to assist people who have communication disorders) (limited to children of deaf adults)
The Geoffrey Foundation Travelers Protective Association of America P.O. Box 1112 The Scholarship Trust Ocean Avenue 3755 Lindell Boulevard Kennebunkport, ME 04046 St. Louis, Missouri 63108-3476 (207) 967-5798 http://www.tpahq.org/scholarshiptrust.html They do not have a website. For more information, (limited to students who are deaf or hard of hearing) please call the foundation. (limited to students who are deaf or hard of hearing Down Syndrome and utilizing an auditory/verbal approach to communication) National Down Syndrome Society O'Neill and Tabani Enrichment Fund Graduate Fellowship Fund 666 Broadway, 8th Floor Gallaudet University Alumni Association New York, NY 10012 Alumni Office (800) 221-4602 800 Florida Avenue, NE Email: [email protected] Washington, DC 20002 http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Adolescence- (202) 651-5060 (Voice/TTY) Adulthood/Self-Advocates/ONeill-Tabani- http://www.gallaudet.edu/development_and_alum Enrichment-Fund/Frequently-Asked-Questions/ ni_relations/alumni_relations/alumni_association_ (limited to students with Down syndrome) %28guaa%29/the_centennial_fund/gf_fund.html (limited to Ph.D. students who are hearing impaired) Epilepsy
Incight Scholarships Epilepsy Foundation Scholarships Incight 8301 Professional Place 310 SW Fourth Ave, Suite 630 Landover, MD 20785 Portland, OR 97204 (800) 332-1000 (971) 244-0305 http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/livingwithepile Email: [email protected] psy/youth/youngadults/Scholarships.cfm http://www.incighteducation.org/scholarship/ (limited to students with epilepsy)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
30 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana MedPro Rx Kosair Charities Centre 140 Northway Court 982 Eastern Parkway Raleigh, North Carolina 27615-4916 Louisville, KY 40217 (888) 571-3100 (502) 637-4440 or (866) 275-1078 Email: [email protected] http://old.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/kentucki http://www.medprorx.com/scholarship.html ana/scholarship.cfm#.UqbS9JFK38o (limited to students with bleeding disorders) (limited to students with epilepsy who live in Kentucky) Mike Hylton and Ron Niederman Memorial UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program Scholarship (866) 825 – 1920 Attn: Scholarship Committee Email: Factor Support Network [email protected] 900 Avenida Acaso, Suite A http://www.ucbepilepsyscholarship.com/ProgramIn Camarillo, CA 93012-8749 formation.aspx (805) 482-6324 (limited to students with epilepsy) Email: [email protected] http://factorsupportnetwork.com/english/what-we- Hemophilia or Von Willeband Disease offer/scholarship-program/ (limited to men with bleeding disorders) or other Bleeding Disorders Millie Gonzales Memorial Scholarship BioRx / Hemophilia of North Carolina Attn: Scholarship Committee Educational Scholarship Program Factor Support Network 10828 Kenwood Rd 900 Avenida Acaso, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45242 Camarillo, CA 93012-8749 (866) 442-4679 (805) 482-6324 http://www.biorxhemophilia.com/hemophilia- Email: [email protected] scholarships.aspx http://factorsupportnetwork.com/english/what-we- (limited to students with bleeding disorders) offer/scholarship-program/ (limited to women with bleeding disorders) Eric Dostie Memorial College Scholarship 41093 County Center Drive National Hemophilia Foundation Suite B Kevin Child Scholarship Temecula, CA 92591 116 West 32nd Street, 11th Floor (800) 323-6832 New York, NY 10001 http://www.nufactor.com/EricDostieMemorial.aspx (800) 424-2634 ext. 2 ?Section=Resources Email: [email protected] (limited to students with bleeding disorders) http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/Mai nNHF.aspx?menuid=53&contentid=35 (limited to students with hemophilia or von Willebrand Disease)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
31 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Salvatore E. Quinci Foundation Immune Deficiency 178 Florence St. Melrose, MA 02175 http://www.seqfoundation.org/index.php Immune Deficiency Foundation (limited to students with hemophilia or Hepatitis C, 40 West Chesapeake Avenue and/or HIV) Suite 308 Towson, MD 21204 Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship (800) 296-4433 Program Email : [email protected] Tel: 1-888-999-2349 http://primaryimmune.org/services/idf-academic- http://www.hemophiliavillage.com/resources- scholarship-programs/ support/scholarship-assistance.aspx (limited to students with primary genetic immune (limited to students with hemophilia) deficiency)
Hydrocephalus Learning Disabilities
Hydrocephalus Association Anne Ford Scholarship 4340 East West Highway National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. Suite 905 381 Park Avenue South Bethesda, MD 20814 Suite 1401 (888) 598-3789 New York, NY 10016-8806 (301) 202-3811 800-382-8540 http://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus- Email: [email protected] education-and-support/hydrocephalus- http://www.ncld.org/about-us/learning-disability- scholarships/ scholarships-awards/anne-ford-allegra-ford- (limited to young adults with hydrocephalus) scholarships-faq (limited to high school seniors with an identified learning disability who are pursuing an undergraduate Intellectual Disability degree)
Joe Cleres Scholarships for Students with Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award Disabilities Smart Kids with LD c/o New Outlook Pioneers Joe Cleres Scholarship 38 Kings Highway North Program Westport, CT 06880. Attn: Debi Althoff Email: [email protected] 1801 California Street, Suite 225 http://www.smartkidswithld.org/2014-youth- Denver, CO 80202 achievement-award http://www.newoutlookpioneers.org (limited to students with LD and ADHD) (limited to student with intellectual disabilities)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
32 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Learning Ally Physical Disabilities Marion Huber Learning Through Listening 20 Rozel Road 1-800Wheelchair.com Princeton, NJ 08540 320 Roebling Street, Suite 515 https://www.learningally.org/about-learning- Brooklyn, NY 11211 ally/awards/ (800) 320-7140 (limited to students who are blind or visually impaired http://www.1800wheelchair.com/scholarship/ or who have learning disabilities) (limited to individuals who in an electric or manual
wheelchair) P. Buckley Moss Foundation Anne & Matt Harbison Award AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship 152 P. Buckley Moss Drive 3901A Commerce Park Dr. Waynesboro, VA 22980 Raleigh, NC 27610 (540) 932-1728 (800) 790-1635 www.mosssociety.org/page.php?id=30 (800) 791-6524 (FAX) (limited to high school seniors with learning disabilities http://www.ameriglide.com/scholarship/ who are continuing their education beyond high school (limited to students in a manual or electric wheelchair) and who have been recruited by a society member)
Chairscholars Foundation, Inc. Multiple Sclerosis Hugo and Alicia Keim 16101 Carencia Lane National MS Society Scholarship Program Odessa, FL 33556 Information (813) 926-0544 733 Third Ave (888) 926-0544 3rd Floor Email: [email protected] New York, NY 10017 www.chairscholars.org (507) 931-0471 (limited to high school seniors and college freshmen Email: [email protected] who have a serious physical disability) http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with- multiple-sclerosis/society-programs-and- Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc. services/scholarship/scholarship-program- Dr. Richard Mankin, USDA-ARS information/index.aspx 1700 SW 23rd Drive (Limited to HS/GED students with MS or have parents Gainesville, FL 32608 with MS attending a postsecondary, undergraduate 352-374-5774 course of study at an accredited two-or four-year Email: [email protected] college, university, or vocational-technical school http://www.stemd.org located in the U.S., PR, VI, Guam or any other U.S. (limited to science students with a disability entering or territory.) currently in a master’s or doctorate program in engineering, math, computer science, or medicine)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
33 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Incight Scholarships (limited to students who have a major limb 310 SW Fourth Ave, Suite 630 amputation)
Portland, OR 97204 National Tourism Foundation (NTF) (971) 244-0305 Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Email: [email protected] http://www.incighteducation.org/scholarship/ 546 East Main Street (intended for high school students with physical, Lexington, KY 40508 hearing, vision, and learning disabilities) (800) 828-886 Fax: (606) 226-4414 Joe Cleres Scholarships for Students with Email: [email protected] Disabilities http://www.ntaonline.com c/o New Outlook Pioneers Joe Cleres Scholarship (limited to physical or sensory disability) Program Attn: Debi Althoff Silver Cross Ability Achievement Scholarship 1801 California Street, Suite 225 1005 Skyview Drive, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 Burlington, Ontario L7P 5B1 http://www.newoutlookpioneers.org (800) 572-9310 (limited to students who have a physical disability) http://www.silvercross.com/scholarship.html (limited to students with limited mobility who use a Just Health Shops manual or power wheelchair, or mobility scooter) 11840 West Market Place, Suite H Fulton, MD 20759 Rheumatoid Arthritis (888) 986-0660 Email: [email protected] UCB RA Scholarship Program http://justwalkers.com/mobility-scholarship- (888) 854-4996 program Email: [email protected] (limited to students with limited mobility who use a http://www.ucbrascholarship.com wheelchair, power scooter, crutches, rollator, or other (limited to students with rheumatoid arthritis) mobility device)
National Amputee Golf Sensory Disability Association Educational Scholarship Grant Scholarship Grant Program National Tourism Foundation (NTF) 701 Orkney Ct. Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Smyrna, TN 37167-6395 546 East Main Street http://www.nagagolf.org/scholarship1.shtml Lexington, KY 40508 (limited amputee members or his/her dependents) (800) 828-886 Fax: 606 226-4414 National Amputation Foundation Email: [email protected] Scholarship http://www.ntaonline.com (limited to physical or sensory disability) Attn: Claude S. Weiler Scholarship Coordinator
40 Church Street, Malverne NY 11565 http://nationalamputation.org/scholar1.html
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
34 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Schizophrenia and related (800) 424-8666 (202) 467-5081 schizophrenia-spectrum disorders http://www.acb.org/scholarship (limited to individuals who are legally blind or visually Lilly Reintegration Scholarship impaired) c/o Lilly Schizophrenia Reintegration Scholarship PMB 327 American Foundation for the Blind 310 Busse Highway 2 Penn Plaza Park Ridge, IL 60068-3251 Suite 1102 (800) 809-8202 New York, NY 10121 Email: [email protected] (212) 502-7600 http://www.reintegration.com/resources/scholarshi Email: [email protected] ps/apply.asp www.afb.org/section.asp?Documentid=2962 (limited to persons with schizophrenia and related (limited to individuals who are legally blind or visually schizophrenia-spectrum disorders) impaired)
Spina Bifida Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships Mark Lucas 180 Medical United States Association of Blind Athletes Email: [email protected] 1 Olympic Plaza, http://www.180medical.com/scholarships Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (limited to applicants under a physician's care for a (719) 866-3224 spinal cord injury, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, or Email: [email protected] neurogenic bladder) http://usaba.org/index.php/membership/copeland- scholarship/ Spina Bifida Association (limited to individuals who are legally blind or visually of America impaired) 4590 MacArthur Boulevard, NW Suite 250 Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Washington, DC 20007-4226 Program (800) 621-3141 PO Box 246 Email: [email protected] Holbrook, MA 02343 http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.evKRI http://www.blindcitizens.org/abc_scholarship.htm 7OXIoJ8H/b.8095317/k.9125/Scholarships.htm (limited to individuals who are legally blind) (limited to students with spina bifida) Association for Education and Rehabilitation Visual Impairments of the Blind and Visually Impaired Ferrell Scholarship American Council of the Blind Scholarship 4600 Duke Street, Suite 430 Program Alexandria, VA 22397 2200 Wilson Blvd, NW (703) 823-9690 Suite 650 http://www.aerbvi.org Arlington, VA 22201 (limited to students who are legally blind)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
35 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for http://www.friendsinart.com/drupal/scholarship- Blind Students of George Washington application (limited to blind or visually impaired students majoring University in music, art, drama, or creative writing) Disability Support Services George Washington University GuildScholar Award 800 21st St., NW (212) 769-7801 Washington, D.C. 20052 E-mail: [email protected] (202) 994-8250 http://www.guildhealth.org/Programs-And- http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss/ApplytoGW/#7 Services-Overview/Awards-And- (limited to part-time individuals who are legally blind Scholarships/GuildScholar-College-Scholarships or visually impaired at The George Washington (limited to individuals who are legally blind) University)
Blinded Veterans Association Incight Scholarships 310 SW Fourth Ave, Suite 630 477 H Street, NW Portland, OR 97204 Washington, DC 20001-2694 (971) 244-0305 (202) 371-8258 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] http://www.incighteducation.org/scholarship/ www.bva.org (intended for high school students with physical, (limited to children and spouses of blinded veterans) hearing, vision, and learning disabilities)
Christian Record Services, Inc. Learning Ally 4444 South 52nd Street Attn: Hope Greenburg Lincoln, NE 68516-1302 Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement (402) 488-0981 Awards (SAA) Email : [email protected] 20 Rozel Road http://services.christianrecord.org/scholarships/ind Princeton, NJ 08540 ex.php?fmt=GR&sid=9nti9h73j9crpjt35oeeug5tn5 Email: [email protected] (limited to students who are blind or visually impaired) https://www.learningally.org/about-learning-
ally/awards/ Council of Citizens with Low Vision (limited to students who are blind or visually impaired International (CCLVI) or who have learning disabilities) The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program (800) 733-2258 Lighthouse, Inc. Email: [email protected] 111 East 59th Street http://www.cclvi.org/ New York, NY 10022 (limited to students with low vision or who are entering (800) 829-0500 the field of low vision) http://www.lighthouse.org/aboutus/lighthouse- events/scholarships-and-career-awards/ Friends In Art Scholarship (limited to students who are legally blind who attend 4317 Vermont Court schools and have legal addresses in one of these states: Columbia, MO 65203 Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, or (573) 445-5564 the New England states) E-mail: [email protected]
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
36 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship disABLEDperson.com National Scholarship Program disABLEDperson, Inc. 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place PO Box 230636 Baltimore, MD 21230 Encinitas, CA 92023-0636 (410) 659-9314, ext. 2415 (760) 420-1269 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] https://nfb.org/scholarships https://www.disabledperson.com/scholarships/15 (limited to students who are blind or visually impaired) (encourages college students with disabilities to apply)
National Federation of the Blind of Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc. Washington Dr. Richard Mankin P.O. Box 2516 USDA-ARS rd Seattle, WA 98111 1700 SW 23 Drive (425) 823-6380 Gainesville, FL 32608 http://www.nfbw.org (352) 374-5774 (limited to individuals who are legally blind) Email: [email protected] http://www.stemd.org General Scholarships (limited to science students with a disability entering or currently in a master’s or doctorate program in
engineering, math, computer science, or medicine) American Association of People with Disabilities Through the Looking Glass th 2013 H Street NW, 5 Floor 3075 Adeline St., Ste. 120 Washington, DC 20006 Berkeley, CA 94703 (202) 457-0046 (V/TTY) (800) 644-2666 (VOICE) (800) 840-8844 (Toll Free V/TTY) TTY: 510.848,1005 (202) 536-4461 (Fax) Fax: (510) 848-4445 http://www.aapd.com/what-powers-us/leadership- http://www.lookingglass.org awards/ (encourages emerging leaders with (limited to parents with significant disabilities or disabilities of any age) medical conditions)
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Gilman Scholarship Program Institute of International Education 1800 West Loop South, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77027 http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship- Program (limited to undergraduates interested in studying or interning abroad)
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
37 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
http://www.ashfoundation.org/recipients/scholarsh Scholarships Organized ips/ According to Field of Study Computer Science and Related Accounting Technical Studies
American Institute of CPAs Microsoft Scholarship 220 Leigh Farm Road Email: [email protected] Durham, NC 27707 http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/interns Email: [email protected] hips-scholarships.aspx#tab_urscholarship-1 http://www.aicpa.org/BECOMEACPA/SCHOLARSH IPS/Pages/default.aspx Creative Arts Allergy/Immunology Research Friends In Art Scholarship American Academy of Allergy Asthma and 4317 Vermont Court Immunology Columbia, MO 65203 AAAAI executive office (573) 445-5564 555 E Wells Street, Suite 1100 E-mail: [email protected] Milwaukee, WI 53202 http://www.friendsinart.com/drupal/scholarship- Email: [email protected] application https://aaaai.confex.com/aaaai/2014gas/cfp.cgi (limited to blind or visually impaired students (limited to members of AAAAI) majoring in music, art, drama, or creative writing)
Communication Sciences P. Buckley Moss Foundation Anne & Matt Harbison Award American Association of People with 152 P. Buckley Moss Drive Disabilities (AAPD) Waynesboro, VA 22980 2013 H St. NW, 5th Floor (540) 932-1728 Washington, D.C. 20006 www.mosssociety.org/page.php?id=30 http://www.aapd.com/what-we- (limited to members of the P. Buckley Moss do/education/higher- Foundation) education/Scholarships/scholarships.html Hearing Audiology American Speech and Language Hearing Foundation American Speech and Language Hearing 2200 Research Boulevard Foundation Rockville, MD 20850-3289 2200 Research Boulevard (301) 296-8700 Rockville, MD 20850-3289 Fax: (301) 296-8567 (301) 296-8700 E-mail: [email protected] (301) 296-8567 E-mail: [email protected]
HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center The George Washington University Email: [email protected] Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
38 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center http://www.ashfoundation.org/recipients/scholarsh Library Science ips/
The Association of Specialized and National AMBUCS™, Inc. P.O. Box 5127 Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) High Point, NC 27262 (800) 838-1845 The ALA Century Scholarship (336) 852-6830 ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse Email: [email protected] 50 E. Huron St. http://www.ambucs.org/scholars/ Chicago, IL, 60611 (800) 545-2433 ext. 4279. Intelligence Email: [email protected] http://www.ala.org/ascla/asclaawards/asclacentury
(limited to students with disabilities enrolled at an Central Intelligence Agency ALA-accredited library school) Central Intelligence Agency Office of Public Affairs Music Washington, D.C. 20505
(703) 482-0623 Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs (MFMC) Open during normal business hours. http://mfmc2.pairserver.com/wordpress/ Fax: (571) 204-3800 (Limited to student who are blind. To contract MFMC, https://www.cia.gov/careers/student- go to their website and fill out the Contact Us form) opportunities/undergraduate-scholarship- program.html Occupational Therapy Law National AMBUCS™, Inc. P.O. Box 5127 Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship for High Point, NC 27262 Law Students (800) 838-1845 c/o Christopher Hummel Fax: (336) 852-6830 Banner & Witcoff, Ltd. Email: [email protected] 1100 13th Street, NW http://www.ambucs.org/scholars/ Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20005 http://www.bannerwitcoff.com/index.php?option= Personal Training com_bwabout&task=view&id=4 (limited to students enrolled at an ABA-accredited law National AMBUCS™, Inc. school) P.O. Box 5127 High Point, NC 27262 (800) 838-1845 Fax: (336) 852-6830 Email: [email protected] http://www.ambucs.org/scholars/
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39 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
Physical Therapy Speech and Language
National AMBUCS™, Inc. American Speech and Language Hearing P.O. Box 5127 Foundation High Point, NC 27262 2200 Research Boulevard (800) 838-1845 Rockville, MD 20850-3289 Fax: (336) 852-6830 (301) 296-8700 Email: [email protected] Fax: (301) 296-8567 http://www.ambucs.org/scholars/ E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ashfoundation.org/recipients/scholarsh Public Health ips/
American Association on Health and National AMBUCS™, Inc. P.O. Box 5127 Disability High Point, NC 27262 AAHD Scholarship Program (800) 838-1845 110 N. Washington Street, Suite 328-J Fax: (336) 852-6830 Rockville, MD 20850 Email: [email protected] http://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship- http://www.ambucs.org/scholars/ program/
(limited to college students with disabilities majoring in public health, disability studies, disability research, Translation and Interpretation health promotion or field related to disability and health) The American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation Science or Engineering Walter Bacak, CAE, Secretary AFTI National Federation of the Blind Scholarship c/o ATA Headquarters Program 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place Alexandria, VA 22314 Baltimore, MD 21230 (703) 683-6100, ext. 3006 (410) 659-9314, ext. 2415 Fax: (703) 683-6122 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] https://nfb.org/scholarships http://www.afti.org/ (limited to students who are blind or visually impaired)
In addition to organizations listed here, consult other disability-specific advocacy organizations to inquire about possible scholarships.
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40 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
March 2014. Authors Jessica Queener and Reina Guartico. Careful review and comments by Eunice Powell of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Polly Huston of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services, were gratefully appreciated.
Previous authors from earlier editions: 2012: Jessica Queener & Sarah Torres; 2009-2010: Kenny Pope & Jessica Queener, 2007: Daniel Gardner & Michael Ward, 2006: Daniel Gardner & Michael Ward, 2005: Daniel Gardner, 2003: Sarah Fox, 2002: Daniel Gardner, 2001: Daniel Gardner & Tanya Scott, 1998: Daniel Gardner & Anne
Reamer, 1997: Daniel Gardner & Rhona Hartman, 1995: Daniel Gardner & Rhona Hartman , 1989: Rhona Hartman previously prepared by Jay Brill & staff at American Council on Education.
This resource paper was originally prepared under Cooperative Agreement No. H326H010005 awarded to The George Washington University by the U.S. Department of Education. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, nor does mention of products or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government, or The George Washington University.
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41 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
APPENDIX A PRE-COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST
During the Junior Year of High School:
Explore college profiles and programs. If possible, visit the colleges that most interest you. Investigate financial aid opportunities with your high school counselor. Write to the college(s) of your choice for applications and financial aid information. Begin the application process with Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Social Security. If you are involved in Special Education services at your high school, be sure that your Individual Transition Plan (ITP) includes your academic and vocational goals. Collect information and document expenses for completing the financial aid forms.
By the Senior Year of High School:
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible on or after January 1, 2014. You may file the FAFSA electronically using FAFSA on the internet, which contains built-in edits to help prevent costly mistakes, at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may also file a paper FAFSA, obtained from your high school counselor, public library, or any local college’s financial aid office. Apply for state financial aid before the application deadline and promptly reply to any requests for additional information. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR), which is sent to you via e-mail or postal mail after you file the FAFSA, for accuracy. If necessary, correct inaccurate items on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on the paper SAR, if you receive one. Complete and return to the college(s) all application materials and any financial aid documents requested by the college by the date indicated by the institution (usually February/March). Keep in touch with the college financial aid offices during the course of the application process to verify that they have received your application data and that they are processing your aid package. If you are a VR client, be sure that your counselor is in touch with the financial aid offices at the colleges(s) on your list. Be on time and accurate in filling out the application forms. If possible, have a third party read them and check for accuracy. Keep at least one photocopy of each completed form for your own record in case problems arise.
Adapted from FinAid! The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid. A Monster Company: FinAid Page, LLC. http://www.finaid.org/students/checklist.phtml
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42 The HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center
APPENDIX B FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAM SUMMARY
From Core Training Curriculum, by NASFAA, 2012, Washington, DC: NASFAA. Copyright 2012 by NASFAA. Reprinted with permission.
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© 2012 NASFAA 1 © 2012 NASFAA FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAM SUMMARY
The following chart details the main federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligibility criteria listed are program-specific and in addition to Title IV general student eligibility criteria. Not all schools participate in all of the programs listed.
ANNUAL/AGGREGATE PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Federal Pell Need-based grants No1 Annual minimum and Undergraduate students without Grant based on highest maximum vary, as set by first baccalaureate or professional financial need as Congress degree expressed by $577 minimum for Certain students enrolled in a lowest EFCs 2012–13 post-baccalaureate teacher (portable) $5,550 maximum for certification program Schools receive 2012–13 Students who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant Federal Pell Grant receive a zero funds from ED as Limited to a maximum of 6 Scheduled Awards or its EFC for Federal Pell Grant and needed to pay for packaging of all other Title IV eligible students equivalent (e.g., 12 full-time semesters) aid if their parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/01,
and if the student was less than 24 years old or enrolled in college when the parent or guardian died Students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in comprehensive postsecondary transition programs Incarcerated students in federal or state penal institutions are ineligible Individuals subject to involuntary civil confinement or civil
commitment after completion of a period of incarceration for forcible or nonforcible sexual crime are ineligible ______1Title IV grants do not have to be paid back as a general rule. However, if the student drops out of school, he or she may have to pay back some or all of the grant(s).
ANNUAL/AGGREGATE PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Iraq and Non-need-based FAFSA Same amount as maximum At time of parent’s or guardian’s No1 Afghanistan grant program required Federal Pell Grant applicable to death, student must be less than Service Grant annually award year 24 years of age, or, if 24 years of (IASG) Payments adjusted like Federal age or older, enrolled at an Pell Grants for less-than-full- institution of higher education time enrollment Student must not be Federal Pell May not exceed student’s cost Grant eligible of attendance (COA) Not considered estimated financial assistance (EFA) Teacher Non-need-based FAFSA required $4,000 annual maximum Maintain 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 Repayment th Education grant program annually $16,000 undergraduate scale, or have scored above 75 required if
Assistance for Portable depending aggregate limit (includes post percentile on single battery of student does not College and on institutional baccalaureate) nationally-normed undergraduate, fulfill teaching Higher participation post baccalaureate, or graduate requirement; Education $8,000 graduate aggregate limit admissions test grant funds
(TEACH) become a Direct 2 GPA/score requirements do not Grant apply to: Unsubsidized Loan Current teachers working on graduate degrees or retirees from other occupations with
expertise in high-need fields working on graduate degrees Current or retired teachers completing a high-quality
alternate route teacher certification program Agree to teach full time in a high- need field for at least 4 years within 8 years of graduation at a school serving a high percentage
© 2012 NASFAA © 2012 of low-income students (Title I schools)
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1Title IV grants do not have to be paid back as a general rule. However, if the student drops out of school, he or she may have to pay back some or all of the grant(s).
© 2012 NASFAA © 2012 NASFAA ANNUAL/AGGREGATE PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Federal Need-based FAFSA required $100 annual minimum (may be Undergraduate students without No1 Supplemental campus-based grant annually prorated for less than full-year baccalaureate or professional Educational program enrollment) degree Opportunity Funds awarded by $4,000 annual maximum Students with intellectual Grant institution (students on approved study disabilities enrolled in (FSEOG) abroad programs may receive comprehensive postsecondary up to $4,400) transition programs No aggregate limit Priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients with “exceptional financial need” (defined by law as lowest EFCs) Federal Work- Need-based FAFSA required No minimum or maximum Undergraduate and graduate No Study (FWS) campus-based annually Award amount is dictated by students employment school policy Students with intellectual program disabilities enrolled in Funds awarded by comprehensive postsecondary
institution transition programs
3 Students enrolled at least half time in coursework required by a state for teacher certification Federal Need-based FAFSA required $5,500/year undergraduates Undergraduate and graduate Yes, begins 9 Perkins Loan campus-based loan annually $8,000/year graduate students students months after program Master $11,000 aggregate limit for First priority given to students cessation of at Funds awarded by Promissory Note students who have not yet with exceptional need (defined by least half-time institution (MPN) completed 2 years of school) enrollment 5% interest undergraduate program Must first have determination of Deferment and $27,500 undergraduate eligibility/ineligibility for Federal cancellation aggregate limit Pell Grant provisions $60,000 combined Students enrolled at least half available undergraduate and graduate time in coursework required by a aggregate limit state for teacher certification Study Abroad: Annual and aggregate limits may be increased by up to 20%
______1Title IV grants do not have to be paid back as a general rule. However, if the student drops out of school, he or she may have to pay back some or all of the grant(s).
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION ANNUAL/AGGREGATE AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Federal Direct Originated by FAFSA required Annual Loan Limits Undergraduate students Yes, begins 6 Student Loan school with funds annually; $3,500 1st-year undergraduates enrolled at least half time months after (Direct Loan)— from federal cessation of at MPN obtained $4,500 2nd-year undergraduates Graduate and professional Base Subsidized government from school students enrolled at least least half-time $5,500 each remaining undergraduate and Need-based half time are eligible for enrollment Unsubsidized year 2 subsidized loan, base unsubsidized only Deferment Direct Loans supplemented by Undergraduate annual limits prorated Must first have possible non-need-based for programs and remaining periods of determination of unsubsidized loan enrollment less than an academic year Interest accrues eligibility/ineligibility for on unsubsidized up to combined $2,625 for preparatory coursework Federal Pell Grant limit loan from date necessary to enroll in undergraduate (undergraduates) of disbursement 3.4% fixed interest program Must determine eligibility rate for $5,500 for preparatory coursework for subsidized loan before undergraduate, necessary to enroll in graduate or determining eligibility for subsidized loans professional degree program if already unsubsidized loan first disbursed on have baccalaureate or after July 1, Interest subsidy for
4 $5,500/year for teacher certification if undergraduates during at 2011, and prior to July 1, 2012 and a already have baccalaureate least half-time enrollment, 6.8% fixed interest $8,500/year for graduate and grace period, and rate thereafter professional students deferment periods for 6.8% fixed interest Actual amount of subsidized loan cannot subsidized loan rate for graduate exceed COA – EFC – other aid Unsubsidized loan funds subsidized loans Actual amount of unsubsidized loan may be used to replace and all cannot exceed COA – other aid EFC unsubsidized loans Aggregate Loan Limits Under certain conditions 1% origination fee to students enrolled in: $23,000 undergraduate aggregate
subsidized limit Coursework required by a state for teacher $65,500 combined undergraduate and certification graduate aggregate subsidized limit Preparatory
© 2012 NASFAA 2012 © coursework (Direct Loan eligibility limited to one 12- month period)
______2This new provision is effective for loan periods which begin on or after July 1, 2012.
© 2012 NASFAA NASFAA © 2012 PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION ANNUAL/AGGREGATE AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Direct Loan— Non-need-based FAFSA required Annual Loan Limits Undergraduate and Yes, same as Additional loan annually Dependent undergraduates whose graduate students enrolled subsidized and Unsubsidized Limits are in MPN obtained parents can borrow a PLUS: at least half time unsubsidized Direct Loan addition to the from school $2,000/year Must have determination Direct Loan “base” limits for Undergraduate annual limits prorated of eligibility/ineligibility
the subsidized and for programs or remaining periods of for Federal Pell Grant unsubsidized loans enrollment less than an academic year (undergraduate) described above Dependent students whose parents Must determine eligibility Actual amount of cannot borrow a PLUS: for subsidized loan before loan cannot exceed $6,000/year 1st and 2nd determining eligibility for COA minus other undergraduate year additional unsubsidized aid including loans $7,000 each remaining undergraduate loan received under base year May be used to replace limit Undergraduate annual limits prorated EFC 6.8 % fixed interest for programs or remaining periods of rate Under certain conditions enrollment less than an academic year to students enrolled in: 1% origination fee $7,000/year for teacher certification Coursework required
$6,000 for preparatory coursework by a state for teacher necessary to enroll in undergraduate certification programs
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program Preparatory $7,000 for preparatory coursework coursework (Direct necessary to enroll in graduate or Loan eligibility limited professional degree program if already to one 12-month have baccalaureate period) Independent students: $6,000/year 1st and 2nd undergraduate year $7,000 each remaining undergraduate year Undergraduate annual limits prorated for programs or remaining periods of enrollment less than an academic year
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION ANNUAL/AGGREGATE AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Direct Loan— Independent students (continued): Additional $12,000/year graduate or professional Unsubsidized students3 Direct Loan (continued) $7,000/year for teacher certification $6,000 for preparatory coursework necessary to enroll in undergraduate program $7,000 for preparatory coursework necessary to enroll in graduate or professional degree program if already have baccalaureate Aggregate Loan Limits Dependent undergraduates whose parents can borrow PLUS: $31,000 minus outstanding subsidized amounts
Dependent undergraduates whose parents cannot borrow PLUS and
6 independent undergraduates: $57,500 minus outstanding subsidized amounts Graduate and professional students: $138,500 minus outstanding subsidized amounts3
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3Students in certain health professions programs have higher loan limits
© 2012 NASFAA ©
© 2012 NASFAA NASFAA © 2012 PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION APPLICATION ANNUAL/AGGREGATE AMOUNTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED Direct PLUS Originated by FAFSA required No annual or aggregate limits, except Graduate/professional Yes, first school with funds annually parent or graduate/professional student students enrolled at least payment due from federal PLUS MPN may not borrow more than difference half time within 60 days government obtained from between COA and EFA student is Natural and adoptive after loan fully 7.9% fixed interest school expected to receive parents (and stepparents if disbursed rate included on FAFSA) of Deferment Carries a 4% eligible dependent possible origination fee undergraduates enrolled at least half time No adverse credit history Parent borrower must: Not be in default on a
federal loan or owe a repayment on federal student aid Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen Not be incarcerated
7 May be used to replace EFC Under certain conditions for enrollment in preparatory coursework or coursework required by a state for teacher certification