Some states sponsor legislation that provides tuition and fees for students who are blind or have low vision, regardless of family or individual finances. Before you begin investigating other sources of support, try to learn whether your own state has such legislation.
Any student who is interested in attending college should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid [1] (FAFSA), which is the primary federal aid/grant program that assists with college funding. FAFSA was developed by the United States government to simplify and combine all government college aid programs. Your eligibility for financial aid depends upon your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at the school you will be attending. Your school’s financial aid office will tell you the amount of financial aid you are eligible for. FAFSA recommends that students apply as early as possible beginning January 1st of each year.
Your State Department of Rehabilitation or State Commission for the Blind/Vision Impaired [2] can also fund college course work. In order to be considered for this funding, however, you must include a college education as a vocational goal in your Individualized Plan for Employment [3] (IPE).
Private and public organizations [4] can sometimes provide information about educational support for students who are blind or have low vision. Individual colleges and Lions Clubs [5] may also provide grants to support students who are blind or have low vision.
The Social Security Administration’s Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) [6] can help students protect the funding they receive through Social Security, even if they have additional financial support, such as a parent pension, trust fund, or other income. Working While Disabled – A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support Plan (Publication No. 05-11017) [7] is an online publication that explains the application process, eligibility requirements, and Social Security definitions of blindness and disability.
In addition, Social Security Student Status permits an individual who is a full-time student (high school or college) to earn money without being subject to deductions in their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, up to a specified amount, and until age 22. The individual must be recognized as being on student status and is required to remain in school to receive the student exemption. You can learn more about SSI, SSDI, and Social Security benefits for people who are blind or have low vision at Social Security benefits [8].
Federal student loans [9] are commonly available to all students who qualify. The funds you receive (plus interest), however, must be repaid to the federal government after you leave school.
Links:
[1] http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
[2] http://www.visionaware.org/find_vision_rehabilitation_vision_services_in_your_state
[3] http://www.visionaware.org/individualized-plan-for-employment
[4] http://www.visionaware.org/employment-training-resources
[5] http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.shtml
[6] http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
[7] http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11017.html
[8] http://www.visionaware.org/social-security-benefits-low-vision-blind
[9] http://www.staffordloan.com/