Receiving a college education can be tough enough on its own, but trying to receive a college education while working with a disability opens up a whole new world of challenges. Thankfully both a number of organizations as well as philanthropists have realized the importance of helping people with a disability receive an education. Someone with a disability, such as visual impairment, now has a wider range of options for helping fund their educational advancement.
The American Council of the Blind has helped lead the march in visually impaired individuals receiving grants to help fund their education. They have created several scholarships to encourage visually impaired students work on advanced degrees. Over twenty scholarships are available for any full time student working on any secondary degree. These scholarships are available for any person that is registered legally blind in both eyes, and has maintained at least a 3.3 grade point average. Students can search or call the American Council of the blind to receive information and the procedure for how to apply for the available scholarships. You can also get tips on how to navigate college succesfully as well as information on the disability offices at various colleges.
The Council is not the only group that is encouraging the visually impaired with scholarship opportunities. The American Foundation for the Blind offers programs as well. Any legally blind U.S. citizen may apply for any of the scholarships which start at five hundred dollars and reach fifteen hundred. The applicant will need to supply their transcripts and write an essay stating what their plans are for their educational plans, as well as a letter showing your acceptance from an educational institute. This may seem like a lot of work, but the award money will be very beneficial. It also helps your writing skills when you engage in essay writing.
Also, check with both the state where you live now as well as the state where you will be attending college. Some state organizations include The Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. These organizations focus on helping people acheive independence and you should make inquiries about their educational grant and scholarship opportunities. They also may have information on county and state corporations that help out those with disabilities for university studies.
School guidance counselors should have a list of all the scholarships available locally, and should be able to get you the information on all types of scholarships available. If you need additional help the financial aid officer at the college should be able to advise you on all the scholarship programs available that may your counselor may not be aware of. Their are disability offices on campus and you can also learn about how to proceed if you need more time to complete assignments or require additional tutoring.