How many states offer free education if you become disabled?
How many states offer free education if you become disabled? If you or your family members are in any way disabled, you would want to know what education or rather free education is available. Many states in the U.S. have programs that apply to persons with disabilities, however there are variations. So, let’s examine how many states provide free education for the disabled and the possible reasons for this.
Basic Principles
There are many schools that cater towards the education of individuals affected by disabilities that have federal laws such as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. It also guarantees that such individuals shall be provided the FAPE in the least overbearing conditions.
Free Education Options
Public K-12 Schools: As a matter of fact, it is mandatory for all states to educate children who are disabled or who have some learning difficulties by making them attend public K12 institutions. This means they receive individual-focused services as American law expects them to do.
Post-Secondary Education: This dimension of education is uniquely free to the disabled individuals although K-12 education is the same for the disabled children. The picture may be different with regards to tertiary education. In some states, there are schemes to provide free or reduced cost tertiary education to people with disabilities in respect of colleges or universities.
Educational Programs Available At No Cost
California
California has several Practicing programs for disabled students and one of them is the California Community Colleges system that includes fee waivers for selected disabled students too.
New York
New York has some effective assistance programs for students with disabilities, like the Excelsior Scholarship which enables students to access free tuition in public universities.
Texas
Texas has one of the promising financial aid programs for students with disabilities among them is the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant which assists eligible student’s tuition fee.
Florida
There are also programs in Florida like the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship aimed at disabled students which can help to finance their college education.
Illinois
Illinois offers the Monetary Award Program (MAP) whereby students with disabilities in colleges are supported by Welfare and helps to support their college expenses.
- Four major sources of assistance that provide disadvantaged programs.
- The cost of college may still be a challenge for disabled individuals even where some states do not provide completely free education but a lot of degree level scholarships and grants and aid programs are available. Below are some resources that you can check out.
- Local School Districts: There may be specific programs and specialized services offered by your local school district.
- State Departments of Education: Special Education services including funding are often available within State Departments of Education.
- Disability Advocacy Groups: The National Disability Rights Network is one such organization that can help disadvantaged people especially children with details on their right to education.
Conclusion
Every state gives the students with some form of disability a free K-12 education, but with regards to free post secondary education there aren’t that many options. Although, the majority of the states have revenue aid and scholarship systems that can assist alleviate the educational costs burden. It is important to do some searching and discussing, about the available options for yourself or your family member. Education is a tool that is very valuable and there are routes that have been implemented to ensure the learning is done regardless of disability.
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