'College Accessibility for Students With Disabilities: Scholarships and Financial Aid'
People with disabilities are rapidly becoming more and more prevalent as college students. According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) , students with disabilities made up 11.1 percent of all college students in the 2011-2012 school year. That number is nearly doubled among students who are also veterans. Students with mobility disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health disabilities, and other disabilities continue to pursue higher education in expanding numbers, thanks in part to the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) , which protects them from discrimination related to their disabilities. Titles II and III of the ADA require both public and private institutions, such as colleges, to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and that they make accommodations to communicate with people who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities.
While laws like the ADA do help, they are not the end of the unique challenges that people with disabilities face when they seek a college education. People who use wheelchairs may find that buttons for the automated opening of doors do not work, or that accommodations may not have been prepared for them in the event of a fire . A lack of awareness can lead to students with disabilities being forced to go without needed help, and up to two-thirds of college students with disabilities don't receive resources because their school doesn't know about their disability. Lack of disability access can also affect a student's ability to form relationships with peer and study groups.
Students with disabilities often have a larger financial burden than those without. Specialized equipment and medical care can be prohibitively expensive, particularly when also paying for a college education. This is why scholarships for students with disabilities are so important. The extra boost in financial security can be the difference between attending college or not attending college. To that end, we have compiled a handy data set meant to help people with disabilities find the help that can take them through graduation.
Scholarships for Students with Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are neurologically based difficulties that may affect a student's ability to read, do math, write, communicate, or perform other actions. Some of the disabilities under this definition are auditory processing disorder (APD), dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, language processing disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities, and visual perceptual/visual motor deficit. Note: scholarships specifically directed at students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are included in their own separate categories, though people with either may also qualify for the scholarships listed here.
Scholarships for Students with Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities are limitations on a person's movement, dexterity, or stamina. They may also include conditions that do not directly impair ability, but inhibit other areas of living such as sleep disorders or epilepsy. Some disabilities in this area are paraplegia, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, effects from head injuries or strokes, loss or malformation of limbs, and muscular dystrophy.
Scholarships for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
A broad range of mental health and psychiatric impairments are covered under this term. Everything from chronic depression to schizophrenia may constitute a psychiatric disability. As those with mental illness often face stereotyping and negative misconceptions, helping them through college financially can ease their stress significantly.
Scholarships for Students with Visual or Hearing Impairments
These are disabilities that affect the senses, primarily seeing or hearing. People with these disabilities have may have partial to total blindness or deafness, and as a result may have difficulty with navigation and communications. Some disabilities can be aided through devices or service animals.
Scholarships for Students with ADD/ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 6.8 million children according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) . There are three types: inattentive ADHD, where a person has trouble focusing, or is easily distracted, has difficulty organizing, or a combination of these symptoms (ADD is the now-outdated term for this type); hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, which is characterized by excited behavior, an inability to stay still, and blurting; and combined ADHD, which is a mixture of the other two. Adults with ADHD may range from mild to severe. ADHD is often covered in many of the scholarships regarding learning disabilities previously listed.
Scholarships for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide variety of developmental disorders, hence the term "spectrum." Various disorders on the spectrum often result in difficulty communicating or interacting with others. Restrictive or repetitive behaviors, such as having overly focused interests or repeating certain, perhaps unusual, behaviors, may lead to problems in work and school. Many of the learning disability scholarships previously listed also include ASD in their eligibility criteria.
Scholarships for Disabled Veterans
A special selection of disability scholarships are open to the men and women with disabilities who have served in the United States military. These may include mental, physical, or a combination of disabilities that may or may not directly relate to the individual's service.
Scholarships for Students with Disabled Parents
Living with disabilities is not just a challenge for the disabled. Often, family members also struggle financially. These disability scholarships are aimed at helping the children of people with disabilities to pursue their education.
Other Types of Financial Aid and Support for Students with Disabilities
Disability scholarships are a wonderful way for communities to give a leg up to people with disabilities while they pursue higher education, but there are only so many available. Not to worry: there are many different programs outside of the scholarship system designed to help people with disabilities pay for college. Here are a few of them.
Grants and Fellowships
Typically, but not exclusively, the difference between grants and scholarships is that scholarships are usually merit-based while grants are usually need-based. Both have the advantage of not having to be repaid (except under a few special circumstances) as student loans are. This can secure a student's education without weighing them down with debt following graduation.
When people think of grants, the first one to come to mind is the federal Pell Grant . These government-based subsidies are the largest source of need-based financial aid. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree who are not currently incarcerated can apply yearly for a variable subsidy based on their financial need for up to 12 semesters. The children of some parents who died in military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11 may be eligible for additional grants.
Another resource for people with disabilities is the Federal TRIO Programs . This collection of government educational outreach initiatives is designed to guide students from difficult circumstances throughout their education, including into the college years. Grants from TRIO can be used separately or in conjunction with Pell Grants. Many colleges maintain their own grant programs to help students, and you should check with your school's financial aid office to see if you qualify.
Fellowships are quite similar to grants, but they often include a work requirement, internship, or other expected area of service. Students may receive a stipend for living expenses in addition to aid with tuition and materials. There are a wide variety of fellowships available for the disabled, usually aimed at guiding people with disabilities into fields that benefit the disabled population, or seeking to increase representation in fields with small, marginalized populations. As people with disabilities, even those with degrees, can have trouble with workplace accessibility or job discrimination, these opportunities can facilitate the transition from education into the job market.
Work Study
The Federal Work Study program is designed to help students defray costs or seek reimbursement for their education expenses through employment with their school or through community service opportunities. The occupations must be at the federal minimum wage level, and opportunities are awarded according to need for financial aid.
Many of the community service positions that qualify with the FWS program directly involve the disabled community. These range from improving facilities for accessibility to tutoring or caregiving services. In addition to helping students with disabilities with financial need to fund their schooling, these positions can help connect students with disabilities to organizations dedicated to or sympathetic to their needs. As FWS, when possible, is supposed to be germane to a student's field of study, the overall benefits for the working student can be many.
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge
Some people with disabilities may find themselves relieved of the burden of paying back federal student loans . Displaying total and permanent disability allows students to apply for a TPD discharge. This releases a student from obligations to loans made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and loans made under the Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program. It can also be used to waive the service requirement that is part of a TEACH Grant .
Demonstration of disability can be done in a variety of ways. Veterans can submit documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which prove 100% disability. Civilians receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits also qualify. Those who are not can provide statements from doctors showing 60 months of continuous disability, or an expectation that the disability in question will continue for another 60 months or result in death.
Social Security Disability Benefits
There are two social security benefit programs that are open to the disabled, and which may make qualifying for other disability programs or funding an education easier. These are the Social Security Disability (SSD, or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) . The qualifications for being considered disabled by either program are largely identical, but they serve different populations. SSD is paid for by payroll taxes, and the benefits are tied to an applicant's work history. SSI is entirely income-based, with no period of work required to be eligible. Those enrolled in SSI are usually also eligible for Medicaid and supplemental nutrition programs, but these vary from state to state.
Students receiving social security disability benefits have several advantages . As mentioned before, it may make you eligible for forgiveness on federal student loans. In addition, money spent on education or that comes in the form of grants and scholarships is not counted when benefits are calculated. That means that the bequests a student may be receiving to pay for school will not penalize them with a reduction in benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Every state in the country operates vocational rehabilitation services (VRS) designed to help people with disabilities achieve everything they want to as far as education and employment are concerned. These services are state-funded, and there generally is no cost to apply. Some states may require proof of financial need before paying for services on the applicant's behalf, and those with more resources may find themselves ineligible for free services, but the assessment of whether someone qualifies is usually free. Students applying for VRS will most likely be expected to also apply for financial aid.
VRS offer a variety of resources to students. Those with mobility issues can seek rides, there are referrals to doctors and counselors necessary for the various qualifying diagnoses many programs require, and coaches are available for guidance, as are teachers for specialized information like reading Braille, access to assistive technologies, and more.
Students can also expect guidance on formulating an individual plan for employment (IPE). This is a rough roadmap of where a student wants to go in life as an employee, but tailored to the unique circumstances of the student's disability. Because VRS work so closely with public institutions, they can offer connections for students with disabilities that the students might otherwise not be aware of.
A list of VRS can be found in the blue government section of the phone directory, or at your local library.
Applying for Scholarships
Applying for disability scholarships can be as hard as preparing for a big job interview, and sometimes it's even harder. You should go into the process well-prepared if you want to keep from getting overwhelmed.
The most important thing is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Your FASFA will help initially determine what financial aid you qualify for, and in for people with disabilities utilizing many of the specific programs aimed at them, a promptly filed FASFA is a requirement to participate in those programs. The application opens on October 1 each year, and should be completed promptly. Students can apply by mail, phone, or online.
For scholarships, it is a good idea to keep some basic information organized and up-to-date. Most scholarships require a few staple pieces of information including school transcripts, proof of enrollment, letters of recommendation, list of awards or community service, most current GPA, most current taxes, and basic financial information proving need for assistance. People with disabilities will also generally need proof of disabled status from a medical practitioner if not already assigned that status by the Social Security Administration or the Veteran's Administration.
People with disabilities need to keep a few more specific tips in mind . You should not necessarily put your disability first. There are plenty of programs and awards that are not related to specific disabilities that you may be qualified to receive based on all kinds of other criteria. Exhaust every possible scholarship, grant, fellowship, loan, and fee waiver you can find, even if it has nothing to do with your disability.
On the other hand, make as solid and comprehensive a plan as you can for how you will attend school with your disability. Many disability scholarships have requirements involving hours per semester, GPAs, or outside work requirements. These may or may not be feasible with your disability, and it is better to plan ahead than to become reliant on funds you cannot maintain the requirements to receive.
An essay is a typical part of scholarship applications, but may be a hindrance for certain disabilities. Consider contacting the scholarship providers and asking if there is an alternative method for you to express yourself available. It can't hurt, and they may admire your attempt to problem solve outside the box.
National Associations and Organizations for Students with Disabilities
One of the greatest assets open to students of all types are organizations. These groups offers specialization in their support, and often know the best way to deliver what individuals need. Below are some of the organizations helping students with disabilities.
American Council for the Blind This group provides a comprehensive list of disability scholarships for the visually impaired, as well as leads on housing, assistive technology, and guide dogs.
Broad Futures Broad Futures is dedicated to helping young people with learning disabilities gain real-world experience through employment and internships. They are great for the transition between high school and college life, especially if the student wants to create or maintain a work history while in school.
Cerebral Palsy Group The student resource section of the Cerebral Palsy Group can offer guidance on everything from dorm life to wheelchair accessibility to extracurricular activity participation.
Incight Dedicated to removing the social stigma of being a person with a disability, Incight offers scholarships and hosts student events on campuses.
Little People of America This group is for people of short stature or who are affected by dwarfism. They offer various grants and scholarships, in addition to a thriving support community.
National Alliance on Mental Health Their guide for attending college with mental illness is a must-read. NAMI may offer an in-person campus group as well, depending on your school.
National Down Syndrome Society This website has a fantastic series of webinars aimed at helping people with Down syndrome explore post-secondary education, with an even more comprehensive resource list.
National Association of Law Students With Disabilities This group is focused on mentorships and guidance of people with disabilities through a legal degree. They also publish a regular newsletter.
Student Veterans of America Though not a group specifically for people with disabilities, they often partner with organizations and projects that can be of benefit to disabled veterans who are students.
College Diabetes Network This is the most comprehensive guide to managing diabetes while a student you will find.
Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society This group hosts chapters in schools all across the United States, and combines the fraternity system with celebrating self-advocacy for the disabled in college.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network Students on the spectrum will find a support group to help them control their lives and self advocate in these chapter organizations.