Summary:Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Posted on 02-06-03

To: All Destination Point
From: General Manager, FSA Students Channel
Summary: Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office has a variety of information resources available on line for the blind and visually impaired. Details about these options are below.

• Student Aid Audio Guide

  The Audio Guide contains an overview of the Department's federal student aid programs including:

  -Eligibility criteria
  -Application procedures
  -Loan repayment options
  -Deferment and Cancellation provisions

The Audio Guide also provides information on non-federal sources of aid. Students can listen to the Audio Guide online at the following site:
http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/audioguide

The Audio Guide will be available on compact disc in February 2003. We will post a message on IFAP at that time providing instructions on how to order copies.

The following Federal Student Aid publications are currently available online through the use of a screen reader and will also be available in Braille in February 2003:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students use the FAFSA to apply for the federal student aid programs administered by the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office. The Braille FAFSA itself cannot be submitted. Students may use a Braille FAFSA as a reference aid. Applicants may go online to apply at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

• The Student Guide

This is the most comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants, loans and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid available through the Department's Federal Student Aid office. The Guide tells you about the programs and how to apply for them. It is available online at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide

• Funding Your Education

This is an introductory publication for students not yet enrolled in a postsecondary school. It provides general information about the U.S. Department of Education's federal student financial aid programs and how to apply for them. It is available online at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/fye

• Repaying Your Student Loans

This publication explains available repayment options on the Department's federal student loans so that borrowers can avoid repayment problems and successfully manage and repay their debts. It is available online at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/repayingpub

If you have any questions, please contact our Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.