Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources for Adults with Disabilities in Illinois

Pursuing higher education is a significant step toward achieving personal and professional goals. However, for adults with disabilities, financial barriers can often hinder their access to educational opportunities. Fortunately, various scholarships and financial aid programs are available in Illinois and across the United States to support these individuals in their academic endeavors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships and financial aid resources specifically designed for adults with disabilities, with a focus on opportunities available in Illinois.

Introduction

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, has played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity in education. By requiring schools to accommodate the needs of disabled students, the ADA has broken down barriers and enabled more individuals with disabilities to access educational resources and enjoy the full benefits of a college education. Today, numerous recruitment efforts and financial aid opportunities are aimed at disabled students, ensuring they can achieve their college goals despite potential challenges.

Disability-Specific Scholarships

Disability scholarships are specifically designed to provide college funding for students with cognitive, behavioral, emotional, physical, or mental impediments that may make it difficult to attain a college degree. These scholarships are funded by a variety of providers with different requirements. Some may target students with a specific disability, while others are open to students with a wide range of disabilities. Some scholarships may also be geared towards students who have completed a specific program or who will attend a particular college or university. Certain local scholarships might also be earmarked for disabled students.

Here are some examples of disability scholarships and financial aid resources available to students with disabilities:

The Law Offices of Eisbrouch Marsh, LLC Disability Scholarship: This nationwide annual scholarship awards $1,000 to a student with a physical or learning disability who has been accepted to or is attending a 4-year college program or law school within the US. It is an essay-based scholarship. Check their website for eligibility requirements.
Incight Go Better Scholarship: Incight provides scholarships for students with physical disabilities, including sight, hearing, and learning disabilities.
VSA Arts Young Soloists Award: Open to young artists ages 16-25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. The VSA Arts Young Soloists Award gives four award recipients scholarship funds and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Yellow Ribbon Scholarship: The Yellow Ribbon Scholarship is for individuals with a physical or sensory disability who are planning to attend a two or four-year college or university, majoring in travel or tourism industry.

Scholarships for Specific Disabilities

Several organizations offer scholarships tailored to students with specific disabilities:

ACT Today! Grants Program: Autism Care Today provides funding assistance to families throughout the United States on a quarterly basis for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Open to all ages. Autism Care Today continues to distribute funds for treatment products and services and launched the first nationwide campaign to help military children impacted by autism as they have unique challenges.
Dr. Hoens, Jr., Scholars Program: Provides a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a qualified individual with autism to be applied toward the completion of an accredited, post-secondary educational or vocational program of study.
The Wendy F. Miller Award, Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year: Gives a scholarship to an individual with autism who has excelled in one or more areas of life experiences or contributions.
Jackson Scholarship Awards and the Infinitec Scholarship Award: Consist of different awards to enable people with disabilities to gain access to technologies which advance independence.

Illinois State Resources

The State of Illinois offers specific educational benefits for dependents of veterans who meet certain criteria:

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Scholarship: This scholarship provides an education scholarship for the dependents of veterans who are either Missing In Action, a Prisoner of War, died while on active duty, 100% disabled due to service-connected disabilities, or died as a result of service-connected disabilities. An eligible dependent is entitled to full payment of tuition and mandatory fees to any Illinois state-supported college or university for a period equivalent to 4 years of enrollment, including summer terms.
- Eligibility: An applicant must be the spouse, natural child, stepchild under the age of 18 at the time of marriage, adopted child under the age of 18 at the time of adoption, or minor child younger than 18 who is under a court-ordered guardianship for at least 2 continuous years prior to application, of the veteran to qualify. The veteran must have been an Illinois resident at the time of entering active military service, an Illinois resident within six months after entering active military service, or a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years after entering active duty as of the date of application.

Additionally, many Illinois colleges and universities have resources for students with disabilities:

Illinois State University: The Illinois State community strives for inclusion and creating a welcoming environment for all students. At the start of each fall semester, a call for scholarships goes out to those who are registered with SAAS (Student Access and Accommodation Services) and encourages students to apply. Students who are eligible to apply for scholarships through SAAS must submit their application by the deadline each fall semester. After submitting, the scholarship committee, made up of various campus and community stakeholders with an interest in and advocacy for students with disabilities, meets to discuss the applications and choose the scholarship winners. After winners are chosen, applicants are notified if they were awarded a SAAS Scholarship. Award recipients are presented with a plaque at our annual award ceremony.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Beyond disability-specific scholarships, students with disabilities can also explore other financial aid options:

Federal Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
State Grants: Investigate grant programs offered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
Private Scholarships: Search for scholarships offered by private organizations, foundations, and corporations.

Grants to Support Organizations

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations to benefit people with visual impairments throughout the country: Funding is primarily intended to financially support and finance homes for the visually impaired. Funding is also intended to support organizations that assist the blind.
Grants to USA, Canada, and International artistic groups and organizations, First Nations, theaters, and publishers to translate Canadian dramatic and literary works: Funding is intended for activities that support the translation of theater and literary works to make them accessible to a wider audience.

Resources for Assistive Technology and Medical Expenses

The Arc of Illinois: This program will fund, or partially fund, the purchase of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have received an evaluation/assessment from a qualified provider but the purchase is not subsidized by Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. The maximum amount funded will be $500 per person or family. Upon approval, the device will be shipped directly to the applicant.
Healthwell Foundation: Offers financial assistance to help cover insurance premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs. Apply under Pediatric Assistance Fund.
FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children): Programs include free or low-cost wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment, vehicle and home adaptations and more.
The Laila Rose Foundation: Provides financial assistance to families of children with medical needs.
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program: Families must be able to afford 6 months of health insurance, after which the state will start reimbursing them the cost of the insurance, for as long as they both qualify for Medicaid and obtain medical expenses worth 2.5x the cost of their insurance premiums.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance of college application deadlines.
Create a Profile: Fill out a profile on Scholarships.com and conduct a free scholarship search.
Research Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship.
Highlight Strengths: Showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities in your application essays.
Seek Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors in grammar and spelling.
Meet Deadlines: Submit your application by the specified deadline.

Organizations that Support People with Disabilities

Bridges for Autism Foundation: Provides grants for therapeutic services such as speech and language services, assistive technology, behavior consulting, ABA, RDI, verbal behavior, occupational therapy and therapeutic intensives.
ELA (Empowerment through Leadership and Arts): The mission of ELA is to Change the Face of Disability on the Planet. ELA accomplishes this mission by promoting health in communities through arts, education, and advocacy for the total inclusion of people with disabilities.
The Westside Foundation: Provides financial assistance to families in need who have children with developmental disabilities.
Yes I Can! Foundation for Exceptional Children: Provides resources and support for children and youth with disabilities.

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