For individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits and sustain financial need, the Social Security Administration offers Supplement Security Income to supplement what the student already receives in Social Security benefits. The amount an individual can receive may increase because their cost of living and benefits differ from state to state. The Plan for Achieving Self Support Program allows individuals to set aside financial resources to cover expenses such as college tuition. Earnings made from their place of employment may affect their funding. To apply, make an appointment at your local Social Security office.
State vocational rehabilitation offices handle vocational rehab educational grants. States customarily design their vocational rehabilitation programs for an individual's specific needs. Each state evaluates a student’s disability status, whether or not it stops his ability to obtain or keep employment. The vocational rehabilitation services create an assessment that matches the students' strengths, needs, weaknesses, interests and capabilities. The grants may go toward tuition costs and other financial needs. Contact your local state vocational rehabilitation agency for more information.
The Disaboom Scholarship Network provides grants to eligible visually- or hearing- impaired individuals and those who have mobility/physical impairments. The Disaboom Scholarship Network also provides grants for individuals with learning disabilities. The Immune Deficiency Foundation offers the Eric Marder Scholarship Program to persons with immune deficiencies. The Center for Reintegration offers the Lilly Reintegration Scholarship award, which is for individuals dealing with mental health issues. The award amounts vary.
Other organizations that offer disability-related awards include Lighthouse International, which provides rehabilitation services and three $5,000 scholarship awards for visually-impaired high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students. The Jewish Guild for the Blind provides the GuildScholar Award, which consists of 12 to 16 awards up to $15,000 each for individuals who are legally blind.