What Expenses are Considered Disability Related?
The student with a disability is often faced with additional expenses
not incurred by other students. These may include:
- special equipment (related to the disability) and its
maintenance;
- expenses of services for personal use or study such as readers,
interpreters, notetakers; or personal care attendants;
- transportation necessary to pursue an academic program, if
regular transportation is not accessible;
- medical expenses relating directly to the individual's
disability that are not covered by insurance.
Students should be sure to inform the aid administrator of
disability-related expenses that may previously have been covered by
the family budget. These may include food and veterinary bills for dog
guides, batteries for hearing aids and a Telecommunication Device for
the Deaf (TDD) [now called a Typed Text or TTY], or the cost of
recruiting and training readers or personal care attendants.
Often,
leaving home necessitates the purchase of new or additional equipment
that will allow the student to be independent at school. For example,
the student's secondary school may have furnished an adapted computer
or other disability-related
equipment necessary for use in school, but that equipment belongs to
and remains at the high school after the student graduates. Students
with disabilities should seek assistance from the Office of Disability
Support Services and/or Financial Aid Office to determine
disability-related expenses.
Once these expenses are identified
students should provide the financial aid administrator with
documentation of any disability-related expense which is required to
ensure attainment of the student's educational goal. Depending upon
the institution, documentation may be simply a written statement of
explanation by the student or an official statement by a doctor or
Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. To be certain, the student should
check with the Financial Aid Office.
Some of the special equipment and support services may be available at
the postsecondary institution, through public and private community
organizations, the state Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, or
organizations of and for people with disabilities. The student should
check with the Student Services Personnel, 504 Coordinator, or Office
of Disability Support Services at the postsecondary institution.
Probably the most valuable resource to a new student is the network of
students with disabilities already on campus. Disabled students who
have had similar experiences and similar needs are likely to have
practical advice and low-cost solutions to problems that students with
disabilities frequently meet.
Regardless of whether the student is able to obtain any special
equipment or services through the institution or elsewhere, it is
still important to let the financial aid administrator know of any
anticipated expenses. Such information is considered in the
determination of the student's financial need, on which all aid
decisions are based. It is also important to understand that
disability-related expenses that are covered by other assisting
agencies cannot also be covered by financial aid from the school.
How Does Vocational Rehabilitation Fit into the Financial Aid Process?
Assistance to students with disabilities is often provided by state
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies. In some states there are two
agencies: a general agency and one for persons who are blind or
visually impaired. In other states, there is one agency serving all
persons with disabilities. State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
titles vary from state to state, and thus may be hard to locate in the
telephone directory. You may contact a state education agency, public
library, or Governor's Committee on Employment of People with
Disabilities for the telephone number and address of your local VR
agency.
The local Vocational Rehabilitation Agency has VR counselors who can
help a person with a disability determine eligibility for assistance.
The VR program is an eligibility program, rather than an entitlement
program. To be eligible for services, an individual must have an
impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment and
can benefit from and requires VR services for employment. The
primary goal of a VR counselor is to assist the client in becoming
employed;
therefore, the counselor will look closely at a student's educational
plans in terms of job potential. While initial counseling and
evaluation are open to all, the counselor may determine that a client
is not eligible for other services based on State Agency policies
governing economic need, order of selection, and other policies of the
agency.
Among the services that may be provided by VR Agencies to a student
who is a client are:
- Tuition expenses
- Reader services for persons who are blind or learning disabled
and interpreter services for people who are hearing impaired;
individually prescribed aids and devices, which are authorized in
advance in an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program (IWRP)
developed jointly by the client and the counselor
- Telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices
- Other goods and services, which help render an individual who
is handicapped employable.
The above items may differ from state to state, or be subject to a
test of a client's ability to pay or the use of available resources
from another social service agency before a commitment of VR funds is
made. To understand why there are differences among and between
states' VR programs, one needs to know that the U.S. Department of
Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) administers
the Rehabilitation Act, but each participating state administers its
own program through the provisions of a state plan which has been
developed under the guidelines of the Act and which has been approved
by RSA. For additional information request Vocational Rehabilitation
Services -- A Postsecondary Student Consumer's Guide from HEATH.
Is There Coordination Between the Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and the Financial Aid Offices?
Most states have developed working agreements between state
associations of financial aid administrators and Vocational
Rehabilitation administrators. These agreements, while not legally
binding, allow for a coordinated effort in providing funds for
students with disabilities in participating states. The agreement, or
memorandum of understanding, establishes the process a VR agency and
postsecondary educational institution should follow in determining the
aid to be granted to the VR client/student. Students served by VR are
required to apply for student financial aid under the guidelines of
the Vocational Rehabilitation/Financial Aid Cooperative Agreements
discussed below.
Through standardized information exchange forms, the two offices (VR
and Financial Aid) are kept abreast of what the other is doing. The
process is not a simple one; it takes time and requires a constant
determined effort by both offices and the student. Often a student's
aid package is recalculated several times as any new information is
provided by either office.
The best advice for a student with a disability in the quest for
financial assistance is to contact both the VR
agency where the student is a client and the financial aid office of
the institution that the student plans to attend as early as possible
to be sure to meet
both their deadlines. The institution will determine the student's
eligibility for student financial assistance and develop an award
package. Meanwhile, VR will also determine the student's additional
disability-related needs, and, if possible, award funds. Whatever is
not covered by the VR Agency can be recalculated by the institution
into the student's expenses and, if funds allow, the student's aid
increased. Even with excellent cooperation between the financial aid
administrator and the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, there still
may be remaining need for additional family contribution or loans.
Is Financial Aid Available for Graduate Study?
The increasing importance of graduate or professional study as part of
the educational process has caused concern over the availability of
funds for graduate study. After a student completes an undergraduate
degree program, he or she is no longer eligible for certain sources of
federal and state funds. Other programs may serve graduate students,
but only after all undergraduates have been served. Because there is
the expectation of employability after completion of a technical,
community college, or undergraduate degree program, state VR agencies
may be reluctant to fund graduate studies. Students who are
pursuing a second bachelor's degree may also find difficulties in obtaining
funding unless exceptional circumstances warrant a second degree.
Many students, therefore, use the traditional routes of
institutional scholarships in the field of study, part-time or
alternate semester employment, loans, savings, assistantships, and
family contribution as the primary routes to the graduate degree.
Are There Other Possible Sources for Financial Assistance?
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal program set up to
provide financial assistance to persons who are aged, blind, and
disabled who have little or no income and resources. The amount of SSI
payment is dependent upon the income and resources of the client. (If
the student is under l8, some of the parent's income and resources
will be included.) The student should be aware that earnings from
work-study or other work may affect SSI benefits. If the Social
Security Administration approves a Plan for Achieving Self Support,
the student would be able to set aside income and resources that are
being used toward a specific vocational goal (tuition, savings for
equipment or other needs) and continue to receive SSI payments. Plans
can be developed by Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, public or
private social agencies or groups, anyone assisting the student, or by
the student. For more information regarding SSI and the Plan for
Achieving Self Support contact the local Social Security
Administration office.
Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program allows workers
and eligible dependents to receive monthly cash benefits because of a
period of disability. A student who has been employed, may file based
on his or her 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 qualify for dependents' benefits based on the
parent's work record. For further information on the student
provisions and eligibility requirements of the various Social Security
programs, contact the local Social Security Administration office.
Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, and Special Services
for Disadvantaged Students
Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers are federally funded
programs located at various sites across the country. Some are part of
a postsecondary institution and some have been established as part of
a private or public organization. These programs were set up to
provide counseling and other services to disadvantaged students and
students with disabilities. One of the responsibilities of the program
is to help place students and sometimes help to negotiate financial
assistance for students with the postsecondary institution. Many
colleges also have federally funded programs of services for
disadvantaged students, including students with disabilities. These
programs provide some services, academic assistance, and may provide
financial assistance as well. Because each program is individualized
to a specific campus, check with the campus of your choice to
determine if there is a Special Services Program, and what services
are offered.
For more information on the location of Talent Search, Educational
Opportunity Centers, and Special Services Programs, contact Division
of Student Service, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Portals Bldg, Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20202-5249.
State Programs
Most states now have some form of student assistance. These programs
vary by state. To find out the details of state grants and loans
students should contact their high school counselor or college
financial aid administrator.
Private Scholarships
A variety of unique situations, which may have nothing to do with
disability, may make a student eligible for private scholarships. They
may include parents' place or type of work, military experience,
ethnic background; student's career goals; religious affiliation;
extracurricular activities, etc. Such scholarships may be researched
by purchasing or borrowing books about financial aid from a school or
public library. Several of these are mentioned in the bibliography at
the end of this paper. There are very few scholarships available for
persons whose unique situation is disability. Since there is not a
central list of scholarships for students with disabilities, HEATH
staff has surveyed organizations and foundations across the country
and developed a listing of organizations which do provide scholarships
for persons with particular disabilities. Note that the amount of
money from one of the disability scholarships may be token and
ceremonial rather than substantial. Disability organization
scholarships are generally $500 to $1000 per year.
In general, the best resource for all students, including those with
disabilities, is the financial aid administrator at the colleges being
considered. The financial aid administrator has been trained to
understand and explain the complex system of Financial Aid. In
addition, the financial aid administrator will be familiar with local,
state, and private sources of funding, and able to tie these together
with institutional resources to create the most advantageous financial
aid package for the student.
However, any problems encountered in applying to a school, or in
completing the financial aid application in a thorough and timely
manner, could adversely effect the quality of any financial aid
package for which a student may be eligible. Students may apply to and
"shop" among several colleges for the most advantageous
combination of academic excellence and financial aid available. Due to
the lead times involved in the college/financial aid process,
"smart shoppers" will begin the process of looking for a school,
and preparing to apply for financial aid up to two years in advance of
high school graduation.
The International Kiwanis Club recommends checking with local Kiwanis
organizations to see if they offer scholarships. To find the number of
the local chapter, call (317) 875-8755.
The Elks Grand Lodge in Winton, NC may be contacted for scholarships
at (919) 358-7661.
Local chapters of the Rotary Club offer scholarships for
overseas study. Call (202) 638-3555 for more information.
The Lions Club International may be contacted at (708) 571-5466 to
find the telephone number for the District Governor in your area.
Another possible source of funds may be the National
Association of American Business Clubs at PO Box 5127, High Point,
NC 27262, (919) 869-2166.
Scholarship Search Services
Entrepreneurs in many cities have established scholarship search
services businesses which have information about thousands of
scholarships nationwide and which provide -- for a fee -- lists of
those appropriate for individual clients. These services usually
charge a fee ranging from $50 to $85, and can be found in the yellow
pages or from a long distance information operator in various large
cities (San Francisco, New York, Houston and others) under names such
as Scholarship Information Service or Scholarship Search. As with any
other service for which there is a fee, callers should request a
written list of exactly what they will get for their investment and
what has been the experience of the business in identifying
scholarships for students with disabilities. In a telephone survey of
such places in several cities, HEATH staff found that some are
computerized, others are operated by individual researchers. None of
the computerized search services contacted had specific descriptors
for handicaps; thus the computer cannot list scholarships specifically
intended for students with general or specific disabilities. The
computer will, however, list funds available to students by
geographical area, interest, school attending, professional, civic, or
religious affiliations. Most of these services do not have a large
database of disability-related information, but could prove a useful
resource for some students. They often offer assistance (for an
additional fee) in college selection and preparation of the financial
aid application. The National Scholarship Service and Fund for Negro
Students offers a scholarship search for $35 to any student. Contact
NSSFNS, 250 Auburn Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA
30303. (404) 577-3990.
NOTE: High school guidance departments are often able
to do computerized searches of this nature at no cost to students.
Students should inquire about a computerized scholarship search at
their own school.
Foundation Center
The Foundation Center with headquarters in Washington, DC and New York
and cooperating collections in nearly 100 cities across the country
can provide names of private foundations which donate money for
particular activities or causes. The Foundation Center has a volume of
listings called Foundation Grants for Individuals arranged in broad
categories. It can be used there or purchased for $65 + $4.50 s/h. To
find the address of the nearest cooperating collection call (800)
424-9836 toll free. (No information other than address can be given
over the telephone.)
Selected Resources
Toll Free Number (800) 433-3243 / (800) 730-8913 (TTY) may be used by
seekers of federal student financial aid information. Toll free calls
from all 50 states and Puerto Rico can be made from 9 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Callers will receive a recorded
message and will be asked to remain on the line if they need
additional information or if they have a specific question. Inquirers
to HEATH and HEATH staff report that the toll free service provides useful
information and is staffed by knowledgeable people.
The Student Guide: Financial Aid From the U.S. Department of Education
(1996-1997) is a Department of Education booklet which describes the
federal student aid programs. The booklet is widely available in
school and public libraries or can be ordered free by writing Federal
Student Aid Programs, Box 84, Washington, DC 20044 or by calling (800)
433-3243.
Applying for Financial Aid is a four page newspaper developed by the
American College Testing Service which covers the basic information
which students and parents need to know. Sample calculations are
provided as are sources of financial aid. Applying for Financial Aid
is available in college financial aid offices or can be obtained by
requesting it in writing from ACT-91, PO Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243
or by calling (319) 337-1615.
Don't Miss Out: The Ambitious Student's Guide to Financial Aid
(1994-95) is one of many new special focus guides produced regularly
by Octameron Associates. This 120 page book is full of useful
strategies, helpful hints and good solid planning information as well
as information on the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Bill,
and includes a brief section about students with disabilities. Others
in the series cover academic scholarships, college grants, loans,
cooperative education opportunities, admissions, campus visits, and
transition from high school to college. Don't Miss Out is available by
prepaying $9.50 postage paid to Octameron Associates, P.O.
2748, Alexandria, VA 22301. You can also request a
brochure describing the whole series.
Paying For College: A Guide for Parents (1994), by Gerald
Krefetz for The College Board, incorporates the 1986 Tax Reform Act
regulations to provide parents with practical advice. The 154 page
book covers a range of sound financial management strategies for
saving, investing, borrowing, and establishing credit for parents of
teenagers as well as young children. There is an extensive glossary to
clarify financial terms, appendixes providing an individual tax table,
a gift tax table, an income tax rate chedule for trusts, and
information on interest rates and yields. Available by paying
$14 plus $3.95 handling charge to College Board, College Board
Publications, Box 886, New York, NY 10101-0886.
Need A Lift? To Educational Opportunities, Careers, Loans,
Scholarships, Employment (annual edition) is a publication of the
American Legion covering sources of financial aid and the financial
aid process. Special emphasis is given to programs for children of
deceased or disabled veterans, but is designed to be of service to all
students. The 120 page booklet contains sources of scholarships,
cooperative education programs, and sources of career information.
Available for $3 from American Legion National Emblem Sales, PO Box
1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206, attn: Need A Lift.
The College Financial Aid Emergency Kit (1995-1996), by Joyce Lain
Kennedy and Dr. Herm Davis, while not disability specific at all, is
one of the clearest and most useful small booklets available on the
subject of utilizing the regular financial aid system to full
advantage. Basic terms are defined and needs for money immediately,
soon, and in the future are addressed. Kennedy and Davis, who are
especially experienced in clarifying all aspects of financial aid,
describe ten steps to simplify the application process, alternative
strategies for financing a college education, and numerous borrowing
tips. Locating scholarships, grants, and other gifts are described as
are several save-ahead plans for those who have a few years before the
actual college or graduate school dollars are to be spent. A realistic
list of suggested reading concludes this 40 page booklet. Available
only by mail for $5.50 from Sun Features, Inc., Box 368, Cardiff, CA
92007 (include a self-addressed stamped envelope with 55¢ postage).
Financial Aid for the Disabled and Their Families (1996-98), by
Gail Ann Schlachter and R. David Weber, promises to inform readers
about the 900 programs that have been established just for the
disabled or members of their family. The book is a useful and
comprehensive resource for librarians and counselors, but the book
promises more than it really delivers. The book is well organized for
use since it has chapters about financial aid for people with specific
disabilities, and there are sections of each chapter for both
undergraduate and graduate education but entries are double and triple
counted so as to inflate the total number of scholarships and other
aids included.
The book is available for $38.50 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling
from Reference Service Press, 1100 Industrial Road, Suite 9, San
Carlos, CA 94070 or call (415) 594-0743.
The Big Book of Minority Opportunities (1995), edited
by Willis L. Johnson, lists employment opportunities, financial
aid sources, and career information services for members of minority
groups. Although the volume is not specifically for those with
disabilities, HEATH staff suggests that some of our many callers who
ask about financial aid may find it an important resource. This
well-organized directory lists over 4,000 general sources of financial
aid. Programs cited include scholarships, fellowships, and loans for
college study; job training and retraining activities; summer
employment and internship options; occupational information and
career guidance assistance; and employment skills banks and talent
bank services. Most programs listed are open to minority group
members. Available by paying $35.00 to Garrett Park Press, P.O. Box
190A, Garrett Park, MD 20896 or by calling (301) 946-2553.
Financial Aid for Graduate & Professional Education (1993), by
Patricia McWade, is a 14 page pamphlet which provides a comprehensive
overview of the topic. How and when to apply, determining financial
need, types of aid available, aid for special groups (although not
very much information about disability), debt management, and
consolidation are some of the topics covered. Contact information
about related resources are included. Available by prepaying $2.35 +
$1.00 s/h to Peterson's, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123.
800-EDU-DATA (800-338-3282).
Financing Graduate School (1993), by Patricia McWade, answers the most
frequently asked questions about financial aid for graduate school.
Topics include aid eligibility, loan jargon, and information on tax
laws pertaining to student loans. Available by prepaying $15.95 +
$5.75 s/h to Peterson's, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123.
800-EDU-DATA (800-338-3282).
Grants for Graduate & Postdoctoral Study (1995), fourth
edition, lists and fully describes a diverse collection of over 1,400
scholarships and grants usable at the graduate level for the study of
nearly every discipline. This well-indexed guide provides
practical tips as well as specific details about each award. Available
in libraries or may be ordered by prepaying $89.95 + $9.75 s/h from
Peterson's, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123.
800-EDU-DATA (800-338-3282).
Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources
Scholarships specifically designated for students with disabilities
are extremely limited. Students are urged to read the publications
listed in the Selected Resources section of this paper and to pursue
the scholarships available for qualities other than disability. Listed
below are organizations which offer the few disability specific
scholarships that have come to HEATH staff attention.
Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf
3417 Volta Place, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007-2778
(202) 337-5220 (voice/TTY)
(limited to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing)
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th Street, N.W., Suite 720
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 424-8666 (3:00-5:30 p.m. EST) or (202) 467-5081
(limited to individuals who are blind or visually impaired)
American Foundation for the Blind
11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300
New York, NY 10001
(800) 232-5463 or (212) 502-7661
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
206 North Washington Street, Suite 320
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-1884
Bridge Endowment Fund
Scholarship Office
National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Center
P.O. Box 15160
Alexandria, VA 22309-0160
(703) 360-3600
Blinded Veterans Association
477 H St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001-2694
(800) 669-7079
(202) 371-8880
(for children and spouses of blinded veterans)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Personnel Representative Undergraduate Scholar Program
P.O. Box 12727
Arlington, VA 22209-8727
(800) JOBSCIA
(703) 482-0677
Chairscholars Foundation, Inc.
"Doc" and Alicia Keim
Silver Dollar Ranch
17000 Patterson Road, Unit #38
Odessa, FL 33556
(813) 920-2737
(limited to high school seniors and college freshmen who are confined
to a wheelchair)
Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLV)
6511 26th Street, West
Bradenton, FL 34207
(800) 733-2258
(941) 755-3846
Electronic Industries Foundation (EIF)
919 18th Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 955-5836 (TTY)
(202) 955-5814
Contact Marcie Vorac
(limited to students who are preparing to enter a technical or
scientific field supporting electronic industry)
Foundation for Exceptional Children
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091
(703) 620-1054
Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc.
Richard Mankin, Grants Committee Chair
503 NW 89 Street
Gainesville, FL 32607-1400
(limited to graduate students or seniors accepted to graduate or
professional school who have a disability and are seeking a graduate degree
in science, mathematics, computer science, medicine, or engineering.)
The Geoffrey Foundation
P.O. Box 1112
Ocean Avenue
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-5798
(limited to students who are deaf or hard of hearing)
Graduate Fellowship Fund
Gallaudet University Alumni Association
Alumni Office
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 651-5060 (Voice/TTY)
(limited to Ph.D. students who are hearing impaired)
Immune Deficiency Foundation
25 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 206
Towson, MD 21204
(800) 296-4433
(limited to students with primary genetic immune deficiency)
Jewish Braille Institute of America
110 E. 30th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 889-2525
(offered to students who wish to become rabbis, cantors or Jewish educators)
La Sertoma International
1912 E. Meyer Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64312
(913) 492-3116
(limited to graduate students who are preparing to assist people who are blind)
Lighthouse, Inc.
111 E. 59 Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 821-9559
(limited to legally blind students who attend schools & have legal
addresses in one of these states: NY, NJ, CT, PA + New England States)
National Association of the Deaf
Stokoe Scholarship
814 Thayer Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-1788 (voice)
(301) 587-1789 (TTY)
(limited to graduate students who are deaf or hard of hearing)
National Captioning Institute, Inc.
Dr. Malcolm J. Norwood
Memorial Award Panel
1900 Gallows Road, Suite 3000
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 917-7600 (Voice/TTY)
(limited to students who are deaf and hard of hearing studying for
careers in communication and/or media technology)
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314
National Hemophilia Foundation
110 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012
(800) 42-HANDI
National 4-H Council
7100 Connecticut Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 961-2800
Parke Davis Epilepsy Scholarship Award
c/o IntraMed
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
attn: John Bayliss
1-800-292-7373 (1-800-AWARD-PD)
(limited to students with epilepsy who are pursuing a college education)
The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
1331 F Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 376-6200
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
20 Rozelle Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-0606
(limited to students who are blind and/or visually impaired or who
have learning disabilities)
Spina Bifida Association of America
4590 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20007
(800) 621-3141
(202) 944-3285
Venture Clubs Student Aid Award and Venture Clubs of Americas
Handicapped Student Scholarship
210 Center Plaza
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1883
(215) 557-9300
Very Special Arts Young Soloists Program
Education Office
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington, DC 20566
(202) 628-2800
(202) 737-0645 (TTY)
(limited to students ages 25 and under studying selected musical instruments)
Colleges and universities may offer specific scholarships for students
with disabilities. Students should contact the Finacnial Aid office at
each school to which they are applying to find out about such
disability-related aid. In addition, students and counselors may
consult the Directory of College Facilities and Services for People
with Disabilities, Fourth Edition (1996). This Directory is
published by The Oryx Press, 4041 North Central at Indian School Road,
Phoenix, Arizona 85012-3397. The 423 page Directory contains an
Index of Institutions which offer special financial aid programs.
Libraries and guidance/counseling offices may wish to purchase this
Directory, which is available for $115.00 from the publisher.
Pre-College Financial Aid Checklist
During the Junior year of High School
- Complete the college pre-selection process.
- Investigate financial aid opportunities with your high school counselor.
- Write to college(s) of your choice for application and financial
aid forms.
- 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.
- Collection information and document expenses for completing the
financial aid forms.
During the Senior year of High School
- Obtain the appropriate financial aid form for the schools to which
you are applying from your high school counselor. Using the expense
information collected during the last year, and the current year's
estimated income tax information, complete the form.
- Mail the appropriate financial aid form as soon as possible after
January 1, since forms postmarked before then do not count. (Be sure
to check application deadlines for each school to which you plan to apply.)
- Complete and return to the college(s) all application materials
and the college's financial aid form by the date indicated on the form
(usually February/March).
- Keep track of the date on which you sent in the financial aid
forms. You should receive an acknowledgment of receipt of the form
within six weeks and a Student Aid Report (SAR) within six weeks of
the acknowledgment. If you have not received any response within eight
weeks, call the Student Aid center at the number listed on the aid
form or the instructional booklet.
- When the SAR arrives, send it to the financial aid offices of the
colleges on your list.
- Keep in touch with the college financial aid office during the
course of the application process to verify that they have received
your SAR 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 college(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.
The HEATH Resource Center is a clearinghouse which operates under a
Congressional
legislative mandate to collect and disseminate information nationally
about disability issues in postsecondary education. Funding from the
United States Department of Education enables HEATH to increase the
flow of information about educational support services, policies, and
procedures related to educating or training people with disabilities
after they have left high school.
The HEATH Resource Center is designed to:
- identify and describe educational and training opportunities,
- promote accommodations which enable full participation by
people with disabilities in regular, as well as specialized,
postsecondary programs, and
- recommend strategies which encourage participation in the least
restrictive and most productive environment possible for each individual.
To accomplish these goals, HEATH has an extensive publication program,
a toll-free telephone service, and a professional staff which
participate in a strong network of colleagues across the country.
January 1996. Updated by Daniel Gardner and Rhona C. Hartman from
material prepared previously by HEATH. Assistance from the
staff of the National Association of Student Financial Aid
Administrators is gratefully appreciated.
This resource paper was prepared under Cooperative Agreement No.
H030C3002-95 awarded to the American Council on Education 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.
The HEATH Resource Center is a national clearinghouse on postsecondary
education for individuals with disabilities, and is funded by the U.S.
Department of Education.
This document was converted to HTML by Mark Kantrowitz with permission
from Dan Gardner and Rhona Hartman of the HEATH Resource Center.
Visit www.heath.gwu.edu for
more information.
