Completing the FAFSA (at www.fafsa.gov) not only enables a student to qualify for low-income scholarships, it also qualifies individuals to apply for scholarships given to disabled students who want to attend college or other post-secondary training in Texas or in other states. For specific questions about the FAFSA not answered on the website, use the Internet chat line, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or 1-319-337-5665. If you are hearing-impaired and have questions, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913. As of January 30, 2010, students are strongly discouraged from mailing FAFSA applications because it slows the process. However, if mailing is chosen, a completed FAFSA can be sent to Federal Student Aid Programs.
Federal Student Aid Programs
P.O. Box 4691
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
studentaid.ed.gov
The TASFA is filed online or through the school of your choice. Go to www.collegeforalltexans.com for more information. Most private schools offer a wide variety of scholarships for disabled students and every Texas state college or university offers scholarships for disabled students to pursue college or trade school training. As part of their commitment to the community, the University of Texas system provides a site that offers over 50 scholarships for the disabled not only at the University of Texas but also at other Texas universities and colleges. See www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/scholar.php for more information.
University of Texas System
601 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499 - 4200
utsystem.edu
There are too many foundations and associations to list in this article. Go to the federal site www.disability.gov/state/texas/education to get a scholarship listing specific to disabled Texas students. This listing will provide links to over 25 different agencies such as the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). This agency offers scholarships to learning disabled students to pursue undergraduate degrees.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212 - 545 - 7510
ncld.org/about-us/scholarships-aamp-awards
Many organizations or local chapters of national groups offer scholarships that often go unused. Make inquiry of any club or social organization in your community. One such organization is the American Cancer Society, which does not offer national scholarships, but provides scholarships for cancer survivors through local chapters in specific regional areas .
American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
1-800-ACS-2345
cancer.org