Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, has resources available to help blind and visually impaired students fund education beyond high school.
College and University Funding Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Funding Education Beyond High School: Audio Highlights This audio recording introduces students to resources, such as websites and both Braille and print publications that will help them decide what to study, which school is right for them, what to look for—and look out for—in financing their education, career choices to make, and much more.
Audio Highlights also provides information on nonfederal sources of aid. Students can listen to Audio Highlights online at https://studentaid.gov/
Audio Highlights is available on compact disc. For more information, students can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
The following Federal Student Aid print publications are available in Braille and may be ordered by calling the FSAIC.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM) and FAFSA on the WebSM Worksheet Students use the FAFSA to apply for the Department’s federal student aid programs. Although the Braille FAFSA cannot be submitted, students may use it as a guide when they apply on paper, or they can use the BrailleFAFSA on the Web Worksheet as a guide when they apply online at www.fafsa.gov.
- Do You Need Money For College? Federal Student Aid at a Glance (new publication) This publication explains what federal student aid is, who gets this aid, and how to apply for it. It also contains a brief summary of each of the federal student aid programs (grants, work-study, and loans)
- College Preparation Checklist This small booklet explains how to prepare academically and financially for college through “to do” lists aimed at elementary and secondary school students and their parents, as well as adult students. Simply worded information about federal aid, what to do at FAFSA filing time, and information on searching for scholarships also is included. Readers are directed to publications and Web sites for more detailed discussions of the topics in the checklist. This publication is available online at https://studentaid.gov/
- Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid
This publication is a comprehensive resource on federal student aid and can be used at every stage of the student’s financial aid lifecycle. The guide covers the three major types of federal student aid available—grants, loans and work-study—and explains how to apply for them. It also includes sources of nonfederal aid. This publication is available online at https://studentaid.gov/ - Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt
This publication covers information students should consider before borrowing money to pay for their education: what types of federal student loans are available, how much to borrow, tips on repaying their loans successfully, the difference between private and federal student loans, the consequences of default, and other helpful hints on how to manage debt. This publication is available online at https://studentaid.gov/ - My Future, My Way: How to Go, How to Pay—A Workbook for Students in Middle and Junior High School
This workbook provides information to middle and junior high school students about how to go to college and how to pay for it. It includes charts, checklists, and other activities to help students answer important questions, such as “Why think about college now?” “What can a college education do for me?” and “How will I pay for college?” This publication is available online at https://studentaid.gov/ - Braille Bookmark: The Braille Bookmark advertises our Federal Student Aid Web address, https://studentaid.gov, where students can find information on financial aid options, applying for aid, and managing their federal student loans. The bookmark also contains our toll-free FSAIC number: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Students can call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) if they have questions about federal student aid or would like to order publications. TTY users can call1-800-730-8913.
MyVision.org provides Resources for Students With Vision Impairment provides wonderful resources for students with visual impairment. Many students with visual impairments can struggle to secure necessary academic help, which can lead to reduced language skills and emotional development. It's so important for students and families to know their options, so we compiled resources for students, with information on assistive technologies, managing the public school system and how parents can help. https://myvision.org/guides/resources-for-students-visual-impairment/