PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

Physically disabled students frequently incur special expenses while attending college. Make sure these expenses are reflected in the budget . This, in turn, will increase your need and qualify you for more aid.

Your best source of information on special student aid is the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in your state's education department.

For additional information, write: HEATH Resource Center, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-1193. 800-544-3284 or (202) 939-9320. HEATH is the national clearinghouse on post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities, so be specific about your situation to make certain you receive the correct materials. As a start, request their publication entitled National Resources for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

Another large clearinghouse is the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, PO Box 1492, Washington DC, 20013. Again, the more specific you are with your requests, the more helpful the information you receive will be.

Here are some national programs that provide good work and some assistance:

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf , 3417 Volta Place, NW, Washington, DC 20007-2778, sponsors an annual scholarship awards program for profoundly deaf college students. $500 to $1,000. Apply by April 15.

American Council of the Blind offers 16 scholarships ($1,000 to $2,500). By March 15. Contact ACB, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 720, Washington, DC 20005. 202-467-5081.

National Association of the Deaf. William C. Stokoe Scholarship, annual, $1,000. For deaf students pursuing part-time or full-time graduate studies in a field related to Sign Language, or the Deaf Community. Contact Stokoe Scholarship Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, 814 Thayer Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Deadline March 15.

Recording for the Blind. Learning Through Listening Awards to HS seniors with specific learning disabilities who plan to continue their education. Three awards, $3,000 each. By February 1. Contact: Public Affairs Department, Recording for the Blind, 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Sertoma International. Scholarship Program for hard of hearing students pursuing four-year college degrees. Five awards, $1,000 each. Applicants must have documented hearing loss and be a full-time entering or continuing student. By May 1. SASE to Otican/Phonic Ear Scholarships, c/o Sertoma (SERvice to MANkind), 1912 East Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132-1174.

Part-Timers
Most financial aid is based on being at least a half-time student. But take heart. Uncle's definition of "half-time" is more generous than that of most schools, therefore, we urge you to apply for federal student aid even if you aren't sure what your status will be (see Chapter 10). Also, under current law, colleges can set aside 10% of their SEOG and CW-S fund for assistance to less than half-time (i.e., part-time) students. Several states also help part-timers, so check with them as well (addresses in Chapter 11).

Our Suggestion: If at all possible, take an additional course, and boost your status to half-time.

Are You 50, 60 or Older?
If you plan to be at least a half-time student, you should remember that financial aid is awarded on the basis of need and not age. Hence, you can freely compete with those who are just out of high school and anybody else for all available financial aid.

If you plan to take just a few courses, you should know that many schools offer reduced tuition for older citizens. Many will even let you attend courses for free or on a space available basis. At least three states (Alabama, South Carolina and New Mexico) also offer reduced tuition for older citizens. Check your local college or your state higher education office.

Two other sources of college information for older students are The Institute of Lifetime Learning, American Association for Retired Persons, 1909 K Street NW, Washington DC, 20049 and Adult Learning Services, The College Board, 45 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023. Note: These are not scholarships sources, just helpful resources!

Are You Only 25?
Over 39% of all college students are 25 or older (16% are 35 or older). Now, these 7 million students have their own association, The National Association of Returning Students. Write for information on their newsletter and list of resources. PO Box 3283, Salem OR 97302; or call 503-581-3731.

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