DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 364 016 EC 302 586

AUTHOR Hartman, Rhona C.; Mazzeo, Kelly KendrickTITLE Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities. 1993.

[Update.]INSTITUTION American Council on Education, Washington, DC. HEATH

Resource Center.SPONS AGENCY Department of Education, Washington, DC.PUB DATE Nov 92CONTRACT H0300001-91NOTE 13p.; For an earlier version, see ED 329 071.PUB TYPE Reference Materials - Bibliographies (131) --

Reference Materials Directories/Catalogs (132) --Guides Non-Classroom Use (055)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTORS College Bound Students; *Disabilities; Higher

Education; Paying for College; *Resources;*Scholarship F9nds; *Scholarships; *Student FinancialAid; Student Loan Programs; VocationalRehabilitation

ABSTRACTThis resource paper on financial aid for

postsecondary education covers various types of financial aid(grants, loans, and employment); the technical words and phrascs usedto discuss it (such as "financial need," "family contribution," and"financial aid package"); and the process involved in itsdisbursement. Particular attention is given to those expenses whichare considered disability related, and suggestions are made aboutways in which some of those expenses may be met. VocationalRehabilitation (VR) Agencies are briefly described, noting theservices that they may provide and the interaction between the stateVR agency and the Financial Aid Office of a postsecondaryinstitution. Suggestions arc offered about additional possibilitiesfor financial assistance, such as Supplemental Security Income,Social Security benefits, and private scholarships. Twelve resourcesfor financial aid information are described. Thirty-threescholarships specifically designated for students with disabilitiesare listed. A precollege financial aid checklist is provided.(JDD)

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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document.

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HEAMmurex

a program of theAmerican Council on Education

U.S. DEPARTMENT Of EDUCATIONOhoce ot Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER (ERIC)

This document has been reprOduCed asreceived from the OersOn Or organizationoriginating it

r Minor changes have been made to improvereproduction Quality

Points ot view or opinions staled in thisdocu.ment do not necessardy represent &floatOE RI position or pohcy

1993 FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIESEducation beyond high school in

the United States is optional but hasbecome a necessary investment infuture employment and lifesatisfaction for many people. Most,however, can't afford to make thisinvestment without some outsidemonetary assistance in meeting thecost of postsecondary education.Over the years public and privatesources of money have beendeveloped specifically to provide thathelp for education. As increasing, butlimited, amounts of money havebecome available, a standardizedmethod of determining eligibility hasevolved to promote equitabledisbursement of student financial aid.This process is known as the financialaid system.

The financial aid system is basedupon a partnership between thestudent, parents, postsecondaryeducational institution, state andfederal government, and availableprivate resources. For the studentwith a disability the partnership maybe extended to include a VocationalRehabilitation Agency and the SocialSecurity Administration. Such apartnership requires cooperation ofall, and an understanding by each oftheir responsibilities within thefinancial aid process.

Obtaining financial aid can be acomplex process. Laws are frequentlyamended and eligibility

\.vrequirements, policy, andt\cdisbursement of governmental fundst,change each year. As the costs of

/obtaining postsecondary educationDS rise, keeping informed about changeso in the financial aid system becomes

rn imperative. This fact sheet providesan overview of the financial aidsystem. It also discusses the roles andresponsibilities of those who play a

significant part in the process ofproviding aid to students withdisabilities. The fact sheet alsoaddresses the financial aidapplication procedure, and suggeststimelines and resources for thoseindividuals seeking financial aid. Asa result of changes made in theHigher Education Act, which is tiz..authorizing legislation for the Title IVfederal financial aid programs,significant changes affecting theprograms and the application anddelivery processes will occur for the1993-94 award year. The informationin this fact sheet was based upon thebest available informaticiii at the timeof publication in the early fall of 1992.The HEATH staff have prepared thisfact sheet as a resource for students,parents, and all professionals whoassist students with disabilities tosecure financial assistance forpostsecondary education.

The discussion below covers thevarious types of financial aid, thetechnical words and phrases used todiscuss it, and the process involved inits disbursement. Particular attentionis given to those expenses which areconsidered disability related, andsuggestions are made about ways inwhich some of those expenses may be

There follows a brief descriptionof Vocational Rehabilliation (VR)Agei,cies, the services that they mayprovide, and the interaction betweenthe stats., VR agency and the FinancialAid Of ficc.. of a postsecondaiyinstitution. Finally, suggestions areoffered about additional possibilitiesfor financial assistance.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?Financial aid is a system of

financial assistance to help

iitdividuals meet their educationalexpenses when their own resourcesare not sufficient. A student whobelieves that his own and familyresources are not sufficient to pay forall the costs of attendance (tuition,room and board, books,transportation, campus activities,etc.) should apply for financial aidthrough the Financial Aid Office ofthe institution he or she plans toattend. Three types of aid areavailable:

1. GrantsGifts and scholarshipswhich do not have to be repaid

2. LoansMoney borrowed to coverschool costs, which must be repaid(usually with interest) over aspecified period of time (usuallyafter the student has left school orgraduated)

3. WorkEmployment whichenables a student to earn a portionof school costs.

The Federal Governmentcontributes to all three types ofstudent financial aid. These programsare explained in a booklet called TheStudent Guide: Financial Aid Fromthe U.S. Department of Education.Free copies of this booklet (in print ordisk) may be obtained by writingFederal Student Aid Programs, Box84, Washington, DC 20044 or bycalling 800-433-3243. The programsdescribed in the booklet are:

1. Federal Pell Grants2. Federal Supplemental Educational

Opportunity Grants (SEOG)3. Federal Work-Study (CWS)4. Federal Perkins Loans (formerly

National Direct Student Loans)5. Federal Family Education Loans

including:a. Federal Stafford Loans

One Dupont Circle, NW 0 Suite 800 0 Washington, DC "1.1036-1193 0 (202) 939-9320 0 (800) 544-3284 0 Voice/TDDThis national clearinghouse on postsecon,...ry education for individuals with disabilities

is funded by the U.S. Department of Education

(formerly Guaranteed StudentLoan Program)

b. Fe.aerai PLUS Loans/Supplemental Loans forStudents (SLS)

All of these programs are basedupon financial need of the student,and his or her family except the PLUSand SLS programs. Although PLUSand SLS do not take into account anyfamily contribution, they cannotexceed the difference between thestudent's cost of attending apostsecondary institution and thestudent's other financial aid(including scholarships). Somecolleges, states, and other entitiesmay also offer aid that is merit-basedwhich means that funds are providedto students without regard tofinancial need, if certain conditions(such as high grades) are met. Thefinancial aid administrator at theschool of your choice is the bestresource for locating merit-based orany other financial aid resources forattending that school.

WHAT IS FAMILYCONTRIBUTION?

The family contribution is theamount of money the family of astudent (parents and the student himor herself) is expected to contributetoward college expenses. The amountthe family is expected to contribute iscalculated by a standardized formulathat takes into account the family'sfinancial resources (income andassets), family size, and basic livingexpenses.

The calculation of familycontribution is based on informationprovided by the student's family on astandardized need analysis form.Beginning with the 1993-94 year allstudents applying for Federalfinancial assistance will be requiredto complete the Free Application forFederal Student Aid (FAFSA). Therewill be no charge to the student or thestudent's family for the processing ofthis form or for determining thestudent's eligibility for Federalfinancial assistance.

Students who are also applying fornon-Federal financial assistance fromschools or from their State ofresidence, may be required tocomplete an additional form, and thestudent may be required to pay a fee

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ExpensesTuition, fees, books andsupplies, room, board,transportation, personalexpenses, dependent care,expenses related todisability; study abroadcosts; cooperativeeducation costs.

*Som.! expenses may notbe considered in thedetermination of financialneed. See the subheading"What expenses areconsidered disability-related?"

Family ContributionAmount family and/orstudent is expected tocontribute toward cost ofeducation (summersavings, contributionfrom income or assets,veterans benefits, socialsecurity benefits, welfare,etc.)

Financial NeedMay be met ..y financialaid package (see page 3for explanation ofpackage)

for processing the information on theadditional form. These additionalforms for non-Federal financialassistance are the Financial Aid Form(FAF) of the College ScholarshipService, the PHEAA form of thePennsylvania Higher EducationAssistance Authority (PHEAA), orthe state-specific supplemental formsproduced by the American CollegeTesting Program (ACT). In addition,some states may have their ownapplication for state aid, which is notproduced by ACT, CSS, or PHEAA.

Since schools may have apreference for a particular form andthere are state specific versions of theFAF and ACT form, it is advisable tocheck with the financial aid offices of theschools that you are interested inattending to determine which of theadditional forms for non-Federalassistance they prefer. No matter whatthe school's preference may be for thenon-Federal application, theapplication packet will include boththe Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) and theappropriate application for non-Federal financial assistance (FAF,PHEAA, or an ACT state-specific aidapplication).

Some students receive little or nofinancial support from their parentsin order to enroll in a postsecondaryeducation program, and the financialaid system recognizes this situation.Students may qualify as financiallyindependent if the individual: is 24years of age or older by December 31of the award year; is a veteran of theArmed Forces of the United States; isa graduate or professional student; isan orphan or ward of the court; haslegal dependents other than a spouse;

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or is a student for whom a financialaid administrator makes adocumented determination ofindependency by reason of otherunusual circumstance.

The family contribution of anindependent student is calculatedbased upon the income and assets ofthe student (and spouse, if married.)

WHAT IS FINANCIALNEED?

The Financial Need of the studentis the difference between thestudent's educational expenses andthe amount of money the family isexpected to contribute. In generalterms, the formula to determinefinancial need is shown in the boxabove.

There is no guarantee, however,that any one institution will be able tomeet the total financial need of astudent, disabled or not.

WHAT IS THE FINANCIALAID PROCESS?

The financial aid process is themethod used by the student to applyfor funds from the financial aidsystem. The process is designed toserve equitably over 15 millionapplicants from over 4000postsecondary education institutions.The scope of the financial aid systemrequires that the application processbe standardized. Describing specialcircumstances or needs, therefore,may require additional effort on thepart of the applicant. Applicants whohave special needs, such as disability

SCHOOL A SCHOOL B

COST OF ATTENDANCE(tuition, fees, room,board, books, supplies,transportation, disability-related expenses, misc.)

$5,000 $10,000

FAMILY CONTRIBUTION $1,000 $ 1,000

Need for Financial Aid(cost minus family contribution)

$4,000 $ 9,000

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AIDFederal Pell Grant $1,100 $ 1,100Federal Campus-based Aid $1,500 $ 3,000

(SEOG, Work-Study, Perkins)Aid from Institution $ 400 $ 2,000Federal Stafford Loan $1,000 $ 2,500

Total Financial Aid $4,000 $ 8,600

Total Unmet Financial Need(to be met from outside sources:

$ 0 $ 400

additional family contribution, PLUS/SLSloans for parents or students, local/disability-specific scholarships, etc.)

related expenses, should expressthose needs to the aid administratorat the postsecondary institution.Because of the complexity of thesystem, however, they must take careto express those needs within thecontext of the system as explainedbelow.

According to many directors offinancial aid, taking care to be earlyand accurate in applying for aid arethe most important steps in thefinancial aid process. However,completing the financial aidapplication form requires you toreport actual or estimated income taxinformation well in advance of theApril 15th Internal Revenue Service(IRS) tax deadline. Having thisinformation available several monthsbefore a family usually prepares theincome tax form calls for advancedplanning. Campus financial aidadministrators suggest that a familyestimate the tax information in timeto complete the appropriate financialaid form by the school's announceddeadline. If the actual IRS taxinformation is different from theestimate, send an amended reportwhen it is available to the financialaid administrator rather than delaysending the form in the first place. Ifan individual's aid information is notprocessed and forwarded to theappropriate schools by January orFebruary, institutional processingdeadlines may be missed and the

student may lose priority for financialaid. If the family m akenly reportsonly the taxes withheld on the W-2form and not the complete taxinformation from the 1040 and otherIRS forms, corrections must be madeby the family, causing unnecessaryadditional delay. Students and theirfamilies should be aware that becausecollege aid application deadlines mayconflict and may call for differinginformation, a very early andaccurate preparation is necessary sothat all deadlines can be met withappropriate information.

It is also important to note thatstudents must reapply every year.

WHAT IS A FINANCIAL AIDPACKAGE?

The financial aid package is acombination of financial aidresources (grants, loans, work) puttogether by the college financial aidadministrator and designed to meet,as closely as possible, a student'sindividual financial need. Theamount and types of assistance in apackage depend on the cost ofattendance at a particular institution,the student's need, availability offunds at the institution, and fundsavailable from outside sources. Thus,a student may be offered twodifferent financial aid packages if heor she applies to two different

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schools. It pays for a student 4o shoparound and compare not only thedollars offered, but also thecomposition ,` *le financial aidpackage each institution offers. Thefollowing examples illustratedifferertt packages of financial aidwhich a student might be offered attwo different schools: School A whichcosts $5,000 to attend and School Bwhich costs $10,000.

Note: The aid amounts are forillustration purposes only and do notnecessarily reflect actual amountsfrom campus to campus. However, itcosts twice as much to attend SchoolB as School A.

In the examples above, School Boffers $8,600 this year whereas SchoolA offers less than half of that. In fact,if the student chooses School B, hemust find $400 more than theexpected family contribution. On theother hand, School B may have theacademic program of choice andnecessary support services. Thus, thestudent may believe that in the longrun, School B is the right choice.

In addition to comparing the totaldollars offered in aid by each school,however, students need to considerlevel of indebtedness, terms ofrepayment, and the school's policy onhow the aid packages are combinedover time. Students, their families,financial aid pers nnel, and, whererelevant, rehabilitation counselors ofstudents with disabilities areconcernPA about what level ofindebtedness a student canreasonably assume upon completionof education. Often career choicesdetermine (or are determined by)level of indebtedness from loans andterms of repayment of financial aidloans.

From year to year financial aidadministrators may vary thecombination of grant, loan, andwork-study money in a student's aidpackage, emphasizing loans forfreshmen and work-stud y /scholarship in later schoolyearsor the other way around.There might not be a uniform policyon financial aid packagecombinations over time. It isdefinitely appropriate to ask thefinancial aid administrator what theschool's policy is during theprogression from freshman tograduate student.

WHAT EXPENSES ARECONSIDERED DISABILITYRELATED?

The student with a disability isoften faced with additional expensesnot incurred by other students. Thesemay include:

special equipment related to thedisability and its maintenance

expenses of services for personaluse or study such as readers,interpreters, notetakers; or personalcare attendants

transportation necessary topursue an academic program, ifregular transportation is notaccessible

medical expenses relatingdirectly to the individual's disabilitythat are not covered by insurance

Students should be sure to informthe aid administrator of disability-related expenses that may previouslyhave been covered by the familybudget. These may include food andveterinary bills for dog guides,batteries for hearing aids and aTelecommunication Device for theDeaf (TDD) [now called a TypedTextTT], or the cost of recruitingand training readers or personal careattendants. Often, leaving homenecessitates the purchase of new oradditional equipment that will allowthe student to be independent atschool. For example, the student'ssecondary school may have furnisheddisability-related equipmentnecessary for use in school, but thatequipment belongs to and remains atthe high school after the studentgraduates. Students with disabilitiesshould seek assistance from theOffice of Disability Support Servicesand/or Financial Aid Office todetermine disability-relatedexpenses. Once these expenses areidentified students should providethe financial aid administrator withdocumentation of any disability-related expense which is required toinsure attainment of the student'seducational goal. Depending uponthe institution, documentation maybe simply a written statement ofexplanation by the student or anofficial statement by a doctor orVocational Rehabilitation counselor.To be certain, the student shouldcheck with the Financial Aid Office.

Some of the special equipment andsupport services may be available at

the postsecondary institution,through public and privatecommunity organizations, the stateVocational Rehabilitation Agency, ororganizations of and for people withdisabilities. The student should checkwith the Student Services Personnel,504 Coordinator, or Office ofDisability Support Services at thepostsecondary institution. Probablythe most valuable resource to a newstudent is the network of studentswith disabilities already on campus.Disabled students who have hadsimilar experiences and similar needsare likely to have practical advice andlow cost solutions to problems thatstudents with disabilities frequentlymeet.

Regardless of whether the studentis able to obtain any specialequipment or services through theinstitution or elsewhere, it is stillimportant to let the financial aidadministrator know of anyanticipated expenses. Suchinformation is considered in thedetermination of the student'sfinancial need, on which all aiddecisions are based.

HOW DOES VOCATIONALREHABILITATION FIT INTOTHE FINANCIAL AIDPROCESS?

Assistance to students withdisabilities is often provided by stateVocational Rehabilitation (VR)Agencies. In some states there aretwo agencies: a general agency andone for persons who are blind orvisually impaired. In other states,there is one agency serving allpersons with disabilities. StateVocational Rehabilitation Agencytitles vary from state to state, andthus may be hard to locate in thetelephone directory. You may contacta state education agency, publiclibrary, or Governor's Committee onEmployment of People withDisabilities for the telephone numberand address of your local VR agency.

The local Vocational RehabilitationAgency has VR counselors who canhelp a disabled person determineeligibility for assistance. The VRprogram is an eligibility program,rather than an entitlement program.To be eligible for services, anindividual must have a disabilitywhich is a substantial handicap to

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employment and must have potentialfor employment as a result ofrehabilitation services. The primarygoal of a VR counselor is to make theclient employable; therefore, thecounselor will look closely at astudent's educational plans in termsof job potential. While initialcounseling and evaluation are opento all, the counselor may determinethat a client is not eligible for otherservices based on State Agencypolicies governing economic need,order of selection, and other policiesof the agency.

Among the services that may beprovided by VR Agencies to astudent who is a client are:

Tuition expensesReader services for persons who

are blind or learning disabled andinterpreter services for people whoare hearing impaired; individuallyprescribed aids and devices, whichare authorized in advance in anIndividualized Written RehabilitationProgram (IWRP) developed jointly bythe client and the counselor

Telecommunications, sensory,and other technological aids anddevices

Other goods and services, whichhelp render an individual who ishandicapped employable.

The above items may differ fromstate to state, or be subject to a test ofa client's ability to pay or the use ofavailable resources from.anothersocial service agency before acommitment of VR funds is made. Tounderstand why there are differencesamong and between states' VRprograms, one needs to know that theU.S. Department of Education,Rehabilitation ServicesAdministration (RSA) administersthe Rehabilitation Act, but eachparticipating state administers itsown program through the provisionsof a state plan which has beendeveloped under the guidelines ofthe Act and which has been approvedby RSA. For additional informationrequest Vocational RehabilitationServicesA Postsecondary StudentConsumer's Guide from HEATH.

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IS THERE COORDINATIONBETWEEN THEVOCATIONALREHABILITATIONAGENCIES AND THEFINANCIAL AID OFFICES?

Most states have developedworking agreements between stateassociations of financial aidadministrators and VocationalRehabilitation administrators. Theseagreements, while not legallybinding, allow for a coordinatedeffort in providing funds for studentswith disabilities in participatingstates. The agreement, ormemorandum of understanding,establishes the process a VR agencyand postsecondary educationalinstitutioa should follow indetermining the aid to be granted tothe VR client/student. Studentsserved by VR are required to applyfor student financial aid under theguidelines of the VocationalRehabilitation/Financial AidCooperative Agreements discussedbelow.

Through standardized informationexchange forms, the two offices (VRand Financial Aid) are kept abreast ofwhat the other is doing. The processis noi a simple one; it takes time andrequires a constant determined effortby both offices and the student. Oftena student's aid package isrecalculated several times as any newinformation is provided by eitheroffice.

The best advice for a student with adisability in the quest for financialassistance is to contact as early aspossible both the VR agency wherethe student is a client and thefinancial aid office of the institutionthat the student plans to attend to besure to meet both their deadlines. Theinstitution will determine thestudent's eligibility for studentfinancial assistance and develop anaward package. Meanwhile, VR willalso determine the student'sadditional disability-related needs,and, if possible, award funds.Whatever is not covered by the VRAgency can be recalculated by theinstitution into the student's expensesand, if funds allow, the student'saward increased. Even with excellentcooperation between the financial aidadministrator and the VocationalRehabilitation counselor, there still

may be remaining need for additionalfamily contribution or loans.

IS FINANCIAL AIDAVAILABLE FORGRADUATE STUDY?

The increasing importance ofgraduate or professional study aspart of the educational process hascaused concern over the availabilityof funds for graduate study. After astudent completes an undergraduatedegree program, he or she is nolonger eligible for many sources offederal and state funds. Otherprograms may serve graduatestudents, but only after allundergraduates have been served.Almost all VR agencies refuse to fundpost baccalaureate education, becausethere is the expectation ofemployability after completion of atechnical, community college, orundergraduate degree program.Students who are pursuing a secondbachelor's degree also find problemsin obtaining funding unlessexceptional circumstances prevail.Most students, regardless ofdisability, find themselves financingtheir graduate study without VRassistance. They use the traditionalroutes of institutional scholarships inthe field of study, part-time oralternate semester employment,loans, savings, assistantships, andfamily contribution as the primaryroutes te, the graduate degree.

ARE THERE OTHERPOSSIBLE SOURCES FOR _

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income(SSD is a Federal program set up toprovide financial assistance topersons who are aged, blind, anddisabled who have little or no incomeand resources. The amount of SSIpayment is dependent upon theincome and resources of the client. (Ifthe student is under 18, some of theparent's income and resources will beincluded.) The student should beaware that earnings from work-studyor other work may affect SSI benefits.If the Social Security Administrationapproves a Plan for Achieving SelfSupport, the student would be ableto set aside income and resources that

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are being used toward a specificvocational goal (tuition, savings forequipment or other needs) andcontinue to receive SSI payments.Plans can be developed by VocationalRehabilitation counselors, public orprivate social agencies or groups,anyone assisting the student, or bythe student. For more informationregarding SSI and the Plan forAchieving Self Support contact thelocal Social Security Administrationoffice.

Social Security Benefits

The Social Security DisabilityInsmance (SSDI) program allowsworkers and eligible dependents toreceive monthly cash benefits becauseof a period of disability. A studentwho has been employed, may filebased on his or her own work record.If the parents of a student with adisability have filed for SocialSecurity or if a parent is deceased, thestudent may also qualify fordependents' benefits based on theparent's work record. For furtherinformation on the studentprovisions and eligibilityrequirements of the various SocialSecurity programs, contact the localSocial Security Administration office.

Talent Search, EducationalOpportunity Centers, and SpecialServices for Disadvantaged Students

Talent Search and EducationalOpportunity Centers are federallyfunded programs located at varioussites across the country. Some arepart of a postsecondary institutionand some have been established aspart of a private or publicirganization. These programs wereset up to prov;de counseling andother services to disadvantagedstudents and students withdisabilities. One of theresponsibilities of the program is tohelp place students and sometimeshelp to negotiate financial assistancefor students with the postsecondaryinstitution. Many colleges also havefederally funded programs ofservices for disadvantaged students,including students with disabilities.These pograms provide someservices, academic assistance, andmay provide financial assistance aswell. Because each program isindividualized to a specific campus,

SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCESScholarships specifically designated for students with disabilities are extremely limited. Students areurged to read the publications listed in the Selected Resources section of this paper and to pursue thescholarships available for qualities other than disability. Listed below are the few disability specificscholarships that have come to HEATH staff attention.Alexander Graham Bell Christian Record Braille Graduate Fellowship Fund

Association of the Deaf Foundation Gallaudet University3417 Volta Place, N.W. 4444 South 52nd Street Alumni AssociationWashington, DC 20007 Lincoln, NE 68506 Alumni Office(202) 337-5220 (voice/TT) (402) 488-0981 Gallaudet University

American Council of the Blind 800 Florida Avenue, NE

1155 15th Street, N.W, Suite 720 Council of Citizens with Low Washington, DC 20002

Washington, DC 20005 Vision (CCLV) (202) 651-5060

(800) 424-8666 (3:00-5:30) or 5707 Brockton Drive-No. 302 (11-nited to Ph.D. students

(202) 467-5081 Indianapolis, IN 46220 who are hearing impaired)(317) 254-0185 or (800) 733-2258

American Foundation for theBlind

15 West 16th StreetNew York, NY 10011(800) 232-5463 or (212) 620-2000

Association for Education andRehabilitation of the Blindand Visually Impaired

206 North Washington Street,Suite 320Alexandria, VA 22314(703) 54-1884

Bridge Endowment FundScholarship OfficeNational FFA (Future Farmers

of America) Center

Elecontronic IndustriesFoundation (EIF)

919 18th Street, N.W.Suite 900Washington, DC 20006(202) 955-5814Contact Marcie Vorac(technical or scientific field)

Foundation for ExceptionalChildren

1920 Association DriveReston, VA 22091(703) 620-1054

Immune DeficiencyFoundation

P.O. Box 586Columbia, MD 21045(410) 461-3127(limited to those withprimary genetic immunedeficiency)

Jewish Braille Institute ofAmerica

110 E. 30th StreetNew York, NY 10016(offered to students whowish to become rabbis,cantors or Jewish educators)

P.O. Box 15160 Foundation for Science and the La Sertoma InternationalAlexandria, VA 22309-0160 Handicapped, Inc. 1912 E. Meyer Boulevard(703) 360-3600 Rebecca F. Smith Kansas City MO 64312Blinded Veterans Association 115 S. Brainard Avenue (816) 333-3116477 H St., N.W. La Grange, IL 60525 (limited to graduate studentsWashington, DC 20001 (for science students with a who are preparing to assist(202) 371-8880 disability studying for a people who are blind)(for children and spouses of Master's Degree)blinded veterans)

Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)

Office of Student Programs(Internships)

P.O. Box 1925Department T Room 220Washington, DC 20013(703) 281-8365

Compiled by HEATH Resource Center, American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC

The Geoffrey FoundationP.O. Box 1112Ocean AvenueKennebunkport, ME 04046(207) 967-5798(offered to hearing impairedauditory-verbal students)

National Association of theDeaf

Stokoe Scholarshir (supportsresearch related to signlanguage or deafness)814 Thayer AvenueSilver Spring, MD 20910(301) 587-1788 (voice/TT)

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National CaptioningInsti .ute, Inc.

Dr. Malcolm J. NorwoodMemorial Award Panel5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1500Falls Church, VA 22041(703) 998-2400(limited to students studyingfor careers in communicationand/or media technology)

National Committee, Arts forthe Handicapped

Education OfficeJohn F. Kennedy Center for

the Performing ArtsWashington, DC 20566(limited to students age 10-21studying selected musicalinstruments)

National Federation of theBlind

1800 Johnson StreetBaltimore, MD 21230(301) 658-9314

National Federation of MusicClubs

Music for the BlindDepartment

55 Janssen PlaceKansas City, MO 64109

National Grange DeafActivities Program

1616 H Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20006(202) 628-3507

National HemophiliaFoundation

110 Greene StreetNew York, NY 10012(800) 42-HANDI

National 4-H Council7100 Connecticut AvenueChevy Chase, MD 20570(301) 961-2800

New York Association for theBlind

111 E. 59th StreetNew York, NY 10022(limited to legally blindresidents of the New Yorkmetropolitan area)

Opportunities for the BlindP.O. Box 660California, MD 20619

Recording for the Blind20 Rozelle RoadPrinceton, NJ 08540(609) 452-0606

Spina Bifida Association ofAmerica

4590 MacArthur BoulevardSuite 250Washington, DC 20007(800) 621-3141 or (202) 994-3285

Trapshooting Hall of FameCollege Scholarship FundChairshooters

'Doc" and Alicia Keim161 Fort Washington AvenueNew York, NY 10032(212) 305-5559Contact: Hugo A. Keim, M.D.

Twitty, Milsap, SterbanFoundation

P.O. Box 43517Detroit, MI 48243(313) 884-9700(limited to students wiLli visualimpairments)

University of New HampshireInternaional Exchange of

Experts and Information inRehabilitation (IEEIR)

6 Hood HouseDurham, NH 03824(603) 862-4767(fellowships for short termstudy overseas forprofessionals in disability-related fields)

Venture Clubs Student AidAward and Venture Clubs ofAmericas

Handicapped StudentScholarship1616 Walnut Street, Suite 700Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 732-0512

Listed below are some colleges and universities which offer specific scholarships to students enrolledon their campus. Contact the financial office for details: Arizona State University, College of St.Elizabeth (NJ), College of Marin (CA), Dominican College (CA), Fordham University Law School (NY),Francis Marion College (SC), George Washington University (DC), Goldey-Beacom College (DE),Hofstra University (NY), Iowa State University, Kent State University (OH), New Jersey Institute ofTechnology, Old Dominion University (VA), Overbrook School for the Blind (PA), Pennsylvania StateUniversity/University Park, Scripps College for Women (CA), South Dakota School of Mines andTechnology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Texas A&M University, University of Arizona,University of Colorado/Boulder, University of Houston, University of Illinois/Champaign, Universityof Iowa, University of Texas-Arlington, University of Wyoming, Western Michigan University, WrightState University (OH).Compiled by HEATH Resource Center, American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC

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check with the campus of your choiceto determine if there is a SpecialServices Program, and what servicesare offered.

For more information on thelocation of Talent Search, EducationalOpportunity Centers, and SpecialServices Programs, contactDepartment of Education, Division ofStudent Service, ROB-3, Room 3066,400 Maryland Avenue, SW,Washington, DC 20202.

State Programs

Most states now have some form ofstudent assistance. These programsvary by state. To find out the detailsof state grants and loans studentsshould contact their high schoolcounselor or college financial aidadministrator.

Private Scholarships

A variety of unique situations,which may have nothing to do withdisability, may make a studenteligible for private scholarships. Theymay include parents' place or type ofwork, military experience, ethnicbackground; student's career goals;religious affiliation; extracurricularactivities, etc. Such scholarships maybe researched by purchasing orborrowing books about financial aidfrom a school or public library.Several of these are mentioned in thebibliography at the end of this paper.There are very few scholarships availablefor persons whose unique situation isdisability. Since there is not a centrallist of scholarships for students withdisabilities, HEATH staff hassurveyed organizations andfoundations across the country anddeveloped a listing of organizationswhich do provide scholarships forpersons with particular disabilities.Note that the amount of money fromone of the disability scholarships maybe token and ceremonial rather thansubstantial. Disability organizationscholarships are generally $500 to$1000 per year.

In general, the best resource for allstudents, including those withdisabilities, is the financial aidadminstrator at the colleges beingconsidered. The financial aidadministrator has been trained tounderstand and explain the complexsystem of Financial Aid. In addition,the financial aid administrator will be

familiar with local, state, and privatesources of funding, and able to tiethese together with institutionalresources to create the mostadvantageous financial aid packagefor the student.

However, any problemsencountered in applying to a school,or in completing the financial aidapplication in a thorough and timelymanner, could adversely effect thequality of any financial aid packagefor which a student may be eligible.Students may apply to and "shop"among several colleges for the mostadvantageous combination ofacademic excellence and financial aidavailable. Due to the lead timesinvolved in the college/financial aidprocess, "smart shoppers" will beginthe process of looking for a school,and preparing to apply for financialaid up to two years in advance ofhigh school graduation.

The International Kiwanis Clubrecommends checking with localKiwanis organizations to see if theyoffer scholarships. To find thenumber of the local chapter, call (317)875-8755.

The Elks Grand Lodge in Winton,NC may be contacted for scholarshipsat (919) 358-7661.

The Rotary Club offersscholarships and may be contacted at(202) 638-3555 for more information.Scholarships must be applied for twoyears in advance.

The Lions Club International maybe contacted at (708) 571-5466 to findthe local organization's telephonenumber for scholarship informationor assistance in purchasingequipment.

Another possible source of fundsmay be the National Association ofAmerican Business Clubs at P.O.Box 5127, High Point, NC 27262, (919)869-2166.

Scholarship Search Services

Entrepreneurs in many cities haveestablished scholarship searchservices businesses which haveinformation about thousands ofscholarships nationwide and whichprovidefor a feelists of thoseappropriate for individual clients.These services usually charge a feeranging from $40 to $75, and can befound in the yellow pages or from along distance information operator invarious large cities (San Francisco,

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New York, Houston and others)under names such as ScholarshipInformation Service or ScholarshipSearch. As with any other service forwhich there is a fee, callers shouldrequest a written list of exactly whatthey will get for their investment andwhat has been the experience of thebusiness in identifying scholarshipsfor students with disabilities. In atelephone survey of such places inseveral cities, HEATH staff foundthat some are computerized, othersare operated by individualresearchers. None of thecomputerized search servicescontacted had specific descriptors forhandicaps; thus the computer cannotlist scholarships specifically intendedfor students with general or specificdisabilities. The computer will,however, list funds available tostudents by geographical area,interest, school attending,professional, civic, or religiousaffiliations. Most of these services donot have a large database ofdisability-related information, butcould prove a useful resource forsome students. They often offerassistance (for an additional fee) incollege selection and preparation ofthe financial aid application. TheNational Scholarship Service andFund for Negro Students offers ascholarship search for $35 to anystudent. Contact NSSFNS, 965 MartinLuther King, Jr. Drive, Northwest,Atlanta, GA 30314. (404)577-3990.

Foundation Center

The Foundation Center withheadquarters in Washington, DC andNew York and cooperatingcollections in nearly 100 cities acrossthe country can provide names ofprivate foundations which donatemoney for particular activities orcauses. The Foundation Center has avolume of listings called FoundationGrants for Individuals arranged inbroad categories. It can beused thereor purchased for $15. To find theaddress of the nearest cooperatingcollection call (800) 424-9836 toll free.(No information other than addresscan be given over the telephone.)

SELECTED RESOURCESToll Free Number (800) 433-3243

may be used by seekers of federalstudent financial aid information.Toll free calls from all 50 states andPuerto Rico can be made from 9 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. EST Monday throughFriday. Callers will receive a recordedmessage and will be asked to remainon the line if they need additionalinformation or if they have a specificquestion. Inquirers to HEATH andHEATH staff report that theinformati.on received from the tollfree service is useful and staffed byknowledgeable people.

The Student Guide: Financial AidFrom the U.S. Department ofEducation (annual edition) is aDepartment of Education bookletwhich describes the federal studentaid programs. The booklet is widelyavailable in school and publiclibraries or can be ordered free bywriting Federai Student AidPrograms, Box 84, Washington, DC20044 or by calling (800) 433-3243.There is also a cassette version whichis a telephone dialogue between aDepartment of Education informationspecialist and a visually impairedstudent. The cassette is available freeby request by calling (800) 433-3243.

Applying for Financial Aid is a fourpage newspaper developed by theAmerican College Testing Servicewhich covers the basic informationwhich students and parents need toknow. Sample calculations areprovided as are sources of financialaid. Applying for Financial Aid isavailable in college financial aidoffices or can be obtained byrequesting it in writing from ACT,P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243 orby calling (319) 337-1040.

Don't Miss Out: The AmbitiousStudent's Guide to Financial Aid(1993-94) is one of many new specialfocus guides produced regularly byOctameron Associates. This 120 pagebook is full of useful strategies,helpful hints and good solid planninginformation as well as information onthe Reauthorization of the HigherEducation Bill, and includes a briefsection about students withdisabilities. Others in the series coveracademic scholarships, college grants,loans, cooperative educationopportunities, admissions campus

visits, and transition from highschool to college. Don't Miss Out isavailable by prepaying $6 or $7.75for first class postage to OctameronAssociates, P.O. 2748, Alexandria,VA 22301. (703) 836-5480. You canalso request a brochure describingthe whole series.

How to Pay for Your Children'sCollege Education (1988), by GeraldKrefetz for The College Board,incorporates the 1986 Tax ReformAct regulations to provide parentswith practical advice. The 154 pagebook covers a range of soundfinancial management strategies forsaving, investing, borrowing, andestablishing credit for parents ofteenagers as well as young children.There is an extensive glossary toclarify financial terms, appendixesproviding an individual tax table, agift tax table, an income tax ratechedule for taists, and informationon interest rates and yields.Available by preparying $12.95 plus$2.95 handling charge to CollegeBoard, College Board Publications,Box 886, New York, NY 10101-0886.

Need A Lift? To EducationalOpportunities, Careers, Loans,Scholarships, Employment (annualedition) is a publication of theAmerican Legion covering sources offinancial aid and the financial aidprocess. Special emphasis is given toprograms for children of deceased ordisabled veterans, but is designed tobe of service to all students. The 120page booklet contains sources ofscholarships, cooperative educationprograms, and sources of careerinformation. Available free fromAmerican Legion National Office,1608 K Street, NW, Washington, DC20008. (202) 861-2700.

The College Financial AidEmergency Kit (1993-1994), by JoyceLain Kennedy and Dr. Herm Davis,while not disability specific at all, isone of the clearest and most usefulsmall booklets available on thesubject of utilizing the regularfinancial aid system to fulladvantage. Basic terms are definedand needs for money immediately,soon, and in the future areaddressed. Kennedy and Davis, whoare especially experienced inclarifying all aspects of financial aid,describe ten steps to simplify theapplication process, alternative

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strategies for financing a collegeeducation, and numerous borrowingtips. Locating scholarships, grants,and other gifts are described as areseveral save-ahead plans for thosewho have a few years before theactual college or grarluate schooldollars are to be spent. A realistic listof suggested reading concludes this40 page booklet. Available only bymail for $5.50 from Sun Features,Inc., Box 368, Cardiff, CA 92007.

Financial Aid for the Disabled andTheir Families (1992-1994), by GailAnn Schlachter and R. David Weber,promises to inform readers about the"hundreds of programs that havebeen established just for the disabledor members of their family." Thebook is a useful and comprehensiveresource for librarians andcounselors, but the book promisesmore than it really delivers. Thebook is well organized for use sinceit has chapters about financial aid forpeople with specific disabilities, andthere are sections of each chapter forboth undergraduate and graduateeducation, but entries are double andtriple counted so as to inflate thetotal number of scholarships andother aids included. The book isavailable for $37.50 plus $4.00 forshipping and handling fromReference Service Press, 1100Industrial Road, Suite 9, San Carlos,CA 94070 or call (415) 594-0743.

Finding Financial Resources forAdult Learners: Profiles for Practice(1985) is published by the Office ofAdult Learning Services of theCollege Board and serves as aresource book for adult learners notappropriately served by thetraditional financial aid system.Finding Financial Resources forAdult Learners: Profiles for Practiceis available for $8.95 from CollegeBoard Publications, Box 886, NewYork, New York 10106.

Directory of Special Programs forMinority Group Members (1990),edited by Willis L. Johnson, listsemployment opportunities, financialaid sources, and career informationservices for members of minoritygroups. Although the volume is notspecifically for those withdisabilities, HEATH staff suggeststhat some of our many callers whoask about financial aid may find it animportant resource. This well-

organized directory lists over 4,000general sources of financial aid.Programs cited include scholarships,fellowships, and loans for collegestudy; job training and retrainingactivities; summer employment andinternshlip options; occupationalinformation and career guidanceassistance; and employment skillsbanks and talent bank services. Mostprograms listed are open to minoritygroup members. Available by paying$30.00 to Garrett Park Press, P.O. Box190A, Garrett Park, Md 20896 or bycalling (301) 946-2553.

Financial Aid for Graduate &Professional Education (1992), byPatricia Mc Wade is a 14 pagepamphlet which provides acomprehensive overview of thetopic. How and when to apply,determining financial need, types ofaid available, aid for special groups(although not very muchinformation about disability), debtmanagement, and consolidation aresome of the topics covered. Contactinformation about related resourcesare included. Available by prepaying$2.25 to Peterson's, P.O. Box 2123,Princeton, NJ 08543-2123. (800) EDU-DATA.

Grants for Graduate Study (1991),third edition, by Editor John H.Wells, lists and fully describes adiverse collection of nearly 800scholarships and grants usable at thegraduate level for the study ofnearly every discipline. Wellindexed, the 365 page guideprovides practical tips as well asspecific details about each award.Available in libraries or may beordered by preparying $59.95 fromPeterson's, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton,NJ 08543-2123. (800) EDU-DATA.

November 1992. Updated by Rhona C.Hartman and Kelly Kendrick Mazzeo frommaterial prepared previously by Jay Brill forHEATH. Assistance from the staff of theNational Association of Student FinancialAid Administrators is gratefully appreciated.

This resource paper was prepared underCooperative Agreement No. 1103000001-91awarded to the American Council onEducation by the U.S. Department ofEducation. The contents do not necessarilyreflect the views of the U.S. Government, nordoes mention of products or organizationsimply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

PRE-COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST

During the Junior year of High School

O Complete the college pre-selection process.O Investigate financial aid opportunities with your high

school counselor.O Write to college(s) of your choice for application and

financial aid forms.O Begin the application process with Vocational

Rehabilitation and/or Social Security.O If you are involved in Special Education services at

your high school, be sure that your IndividualEducational Plan (IEP) includes your academic andvocational goals.

O Collect information and document expenses forcompleting the financial aid forms. 0

By the Senior year of High School

El Obtain the appropriate financial aid form for theschools to which you are applying from your high 0school counselor. Using the expense informationcollected during the last year, and the current year'sestimated income tax information, complete the form.

O Mail the appropriate financial aid form as soon aspossible after January 1, since forms postmarkedbefore then do not count. (Be sure to checkapplication deadline for each school t.o which youplan to apply.)

Complete and return to the college(s) all applicationmaterials and the college's financial aid form by thedate indicated on the form (usuallyFebruary/March).Keep track of the date on which you sent in thefinancial aid forms. You should receive anacknowledgment of receipt of the form within sixweeks and a Student Aid Report (SAR) within sixweeks of the acknowledgment. If you have notreceived any response within eight weeks, call theStudent Aid center at the number listed on aid formor institutional booklet.When the SAR arrives, send it to the financial aidoffices of the colleges on your list.Keep in touch with the college financial aid officeduring the course of the application process to verifythat they have received your SAR and that they areprocessing your aid package.If you are a VR client, be sure that your counselor isin touch with the financial aid offices at thecolleges(s) on your list. Be on time and accurate infilling out the application forms. If possible, have athird party read them and check for accuracy. Keepat least one photocopy of each completed form foryour own record in case problems arise.

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FA

HEATH PUBLICATIONS LISTThe HEATH Resource Center operates the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals withdisabilities. Support from the United States Department of Education i.nables the Center, a program of the AmericanCouncil on Education, to serve as an information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures,adaptations, and opportunities on American campuses, vocational-technical schools, adult educationprograms, inde-pendent living centers, and other training entities after high school. The Center collects and disseminates this infor-mation so that people with disabilities can develop their full potential through postsecondary education and trainingif they choose.

Single copies of HEATH materials are free to those who request them.Duplication of HEATH materials is encouraged; no permission to duplicate is necessary.

RESOURCE PAPERS(ASL) Access to the Science and Engineering Lzb

and Classroom(PSY) Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities on Campus(BVI) Blind and Visually Impaired Students in

Postsecondary Education(CPP) Career Planning and Employment Strategies(VE) Education for Employment(GR) Getting Your LD Student Ready for College(FA) Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities(AHI) Head Injury Survivor on Campus:

Issues and Resources(DHH) Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

in Postsecondary Education(LD) Learning Disabled Adults in Postsecondary

Education(MTM) Make the Most of Your Opportunities(MSP) Measuring Student Progress in the Classroom(OSN) Young Adults with Learning Disabilities and

Other Special Needs(PVR) Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesA

Postsecondary Student Consumer's Guide(SAS) Strategies for Advising Students with Disabilities

ALTERNATE MEDIAPlease send materials on audiocassetteI have enclosed a blank 5 1 /4 " or 3 1/2" DD/DSdiskette, so please transfer to computer media.

MS-DOS compatibleMacintosh

NAME

TITLE

ADDRESS

NEWSLETTER(ML) Annual Subscription

(fall, winter, and spring issues)Newsletter Article Reprints

(ADL) ADD and LD(AHS) After High School, What's Next(ADM) College Admissions Tests(CAP) Computer Access Project(C & T) Computers and Technology(CL) Current Language(FAC) Facts You Can Use(FAM) Family Issues(FOC) Focus on Faculty(HID) Hidden Handicaps(HSDA) High School Diploma Alternative(LDHA) LD High Achieving Students(NRLD) New Resources r Learning Disabilities($AT) $ for Adaptive Technology(RSH) Resources for Severe Handicaps on Campus(SCS) Student Consumer Speaks Up(SDP) Self Determination Projects(TDD) Transitions for Developmental Disabilities(VA) Vocational Assessment

OTHER PUBLICATIONS(BRO) HEATH Brochure(RD) HEATH Resource Directory(CF) College Freshmen with Disabilities(CAC) How to Choose a College: Guide for a

Student with a Disability(DIR) Resources for Adult with Learning Disabilities(504) Section 504, The Law & Its Impact on

Postsecondary Education(TS) Transition Summary

Single copies of these other publications are free. Multiplecopies may be ordered on a cost-recovery basis. For details,call HEATH at (800) 544-3284 or (202) 939-9320. Both num-bers are voice or TT.

CHECK THE LINE BELOWTHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU

Person with DisabilityAdult EducatorTeacher/ InstructorAdministrator

CounselorOther(Specify)

CITY STATE ZIP

Please mail back to HEATH, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036

1 2

HEATH RESOURCE CENTER

National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Educationfor IndividUals with Disabilities

The HEATH Resource Center is a clearinghouse which operates under a Congressional legislative man-lateto collect and disseminate information nationally about disability issues in postsecondary education. Fundingfrom the United States Department of Education enables the Center to increase the flow of information abouteducational support services, policies, and procedures related to educating or training people withdisabilities after they have left high school.

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 wellas specialized, postsecondary programs;recommend strategies which encourage participation in the least restrictive and most productiveenvironment possible for each individual.

To accomplish these goals, HEATH has an extensive publication program, a toll-free telephone service,and a professional staff which participates in a strong network of colleagues across the country.

Information from HEATH is a newsletter published three times a year and distributed nationally, free ofcharge, to subscribers. The newsletter highlights campus programs, provides information about new orpending legislation, and offers reviews of new publications and other media products. HEATH resourcepapers, monographs, guides, and directories focus on disability-related issues as they emerge on collegecampuses or in vocational-technical training schools, adult education programs, independent living centers,and other community-based training programs. Single copies of HEATH publications are free and mav bereproduced. Most are available by request on audiocassette tape or computer disk.

HEATH's constituency is comprised of postsecondary administrators and service providers, teachers andinstructors, high school and vocational rehabilitation couselors, government officials, librarians, healthprofessionals, journalists, as well as those with disabilities and their families. The toll-free telephone line isavailable to encourage direct interaction with HEATH staff.

Participation by HEATH staff in national, regional, and statewide conferences and training workshops hasled to the development of a national network o rofessionals across the nation. This network enables staff tosuggest speakers, access options, audiovisual materials, and other resources to enhance such meetings.

HEATH staff can be reached Monday-Fr iday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Time at (800) 544-3284; or, in theWashington, DC metropolitan area, at (202) 939-9320; both lines are available for Voice or TDD calls.

Inquiries may also be mailed to HEATH at One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Inquirieswill receive prompt attention.

HEATH Resource Center is a program of the American Council on Education.

Hoke Smith, Board Chair, ACEPresident, Towson State University

Robert H. Atwell, President, ACE

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