Tips for Finding Scholarships for the Disabled Student

Many disabled people don't enter college. It is not because they are not intelligent enough to do the course work. There are many obstacles that confront the student who wants to attend college. There are some organizations that have attempted to address these exact issues.

College is expensive for anyone. People with disabilities have added expenses due to their additional accommodations. They have the same expenses of tuition, books and food. However, There might be technological needs, extra care and/or special services which can expand the costs for disabled college students. There are, however, some helpful tips to maximize your money, as well as some unique places that might help with funding.

First, it is a good idea to make a list of all the additional items and services that a disabled student will need. Some disabled students need in class note takers, mobility aids and/or services, readers, attendants for independent living, interpreters and so on. Some need their books in accessible formats, assistive technology and/or any other adaptive equipment to assist in studying and living in a dorm setting. If the student has been disabled for a while, your school system might have had a meeting with the teacher and other prominent people who have already discussed transitional services in their last IEP. If so, they might have suggested contacting your state Vocational rehabilitation services. This is a Government agency that assists disabled people with their economic needs when either attempting to go to college or applying for a job. they will need to do an assessment of their own. But, their assistance could be quite beneficial. After the assessment they help you to formulate goals and strategies for meeting those goals. They do provide a bit of financial assistance if the need is directly related to the disability.

It is a good idea to also look at your high school "career." Most don't feel that it has been a "career." But, it is important to examine your academic performance, work experience, volunteer opportunities, affiliated organizations, interests and goals. These will help the soon to be college student focus on those scholarships which might yield the best results.

Don't just think in terms of the disability. Apply for Nondisabled scholarships. It is important to know that any disabled student can apply for scholarships that are not directly related to their disability. It is a good idea for the disabled high school student to be well rounded. A bit of volunteering and a few interests such as the drama club or Boy scouts, might land a scholarship in those fields, as well.

There are many organizations and businesses that offer scholarships. Many service organizations such as the Lions Club, The Optimist Club, The Rotary Club and Kiwanis also offer scholarships. If the disabled High School student can acquaint themselves with a few members and show that they, also, are willing to serve, then, they are likely to receive a scholarship. There are also scholarships from businesses. Don't rule businesses out. Many times they offer local and state scholarships to a few fortunate individuals. Don't assume that a business does not have a scholarship fund. Start asking every business that you come into contact with about any scholarship fund. You will be surprised at how many businesses do offer scholarships. Family members who are involved in community service organizations, have religious affiliations, fraternal, interest-based and professionally oriented agencies and organizations. They should ask if there is a scholarship program for interested students. Granted, some organizations and businesses might offer quite a small scholarship. A small one is better than none.

Another helpful hint is to target specific employment areas. This, of course, presupposes that one knows their major. If so, then, a person might be able to target that sector for funds. This is especially true if you do volunteer work in a related field. Parents might also check their place of employment for possible scholarships for their children. Most fast food chains, department stores, service companies and cosmetic companies offer scholarships.

Colleges also give scholarships. If the student knows which college that he/she will be attending, they might be able to receive a scholarship from that particular institution.

Disability is a kind of minority. There are scholarships that are for "minorities." Some scholarship recommendations only mention that the person must be a "minority." They do not specify which type of "minority" the person must be. Thus, disabled people may certainly apply. They might have to write an essay on their marginalized status, however.

There are specific organizations that serve the disabled and that offer scholarships. These organizations can be local, statewide and even national. Some of these organizations include: The Learning Disabilities Association, The National Federation Of the Blind, The Billy Barty Foundation (For Dwarfism), Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, The Volta Scholarship Fund (For deaf and hard of hearing), The American Counsel of the Blind, disabled person Inc and National Center for Learning Disabilities.

There are places on the web that have compiled listings of scholarships.

www.fastweb.com/scholarships
www.collegescholarships.com

These websites can find many scholarships for you to evaluate. There are many that will apply to your specific needs. and, they are free. If any business charges a fee, it is usually a scholarship scam and should be avoided.

Filling out scholarship forms is a long and tedious task. It is worth it, though, if you actually get the scholarship. Besides, it will prepare the disabled person for the many forms that they will have to fill out as they enter adulthood. I hope that this suggestion list can help disabled people find scholarships that they need so they may obtain a higher education.