Funds are available to finance a college education.
All students with a financial need can apply for federal scholarship program grants by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, but children of disabled parents also can apply for specific scholarships through their individual states and private organizations.
Federal Assistance
Register with the federal website disability.gov and sign up for the newsletter. This site is designed "to connect the disabled community to information and opportunities." The site gives explanations about applying for scholarships and links to a multitude of other sites where scholarship opportunities can be found.
State Scholarships
Check your state's website for grants and scholarships for children of disabled parents. In many instances, children of parents who were disabled because of their law enforcement or other public service career activities may be eligible for a scholarship. For example, according to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, there are scholarship awards for children of disabled law enforcement officers and firefighters. Many other states offer similar programs.
Specific Disability
Search the Internet for scholarships given in the parent's specific disability. Almost every disease has an organization that offers help to the children of disabled parents. Among these scholarships are the National Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship, scholarships for children of the blind, scholarships for children whose parents had or have cancer and a myriad of others. In many instances, the national organization does not award the scholarship but directs inquiries to local chapters where the scholarship application is accepted.
Through the Looking Glass (TLG)
This organization is dedicated to helping parents and children with disabilities. Besides application to the ten separate $1,000 awards given out each fall, the organization's website provides links to additional scholarship resources.
Disabled Veterans
Every state and many private organizations offer scholarship awards to the children of disabled or deceased veterans. One such award is the Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship offered by the Blind Veterans Association. There are also scholarship awards through the Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program and many local or statewide scholarships offered to children of disabled parents who have served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
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