Publication Date: February 15, 2005
Author: General Manager, Student Aid Awareness and Applicant Products and Services
Summary: Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Posted on 02-15-2005
The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office has a variety of information resources available for blind and visually impaired students enrolled in education beyond high school.
- Student Aid Audio Guide
The Audio Guide contains a 60-minute 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 nonfederal sources of aid. Students can listen to the Audio Guide online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/audioguide.
The Audio Guide is also available on compact disc. To order copies, please call the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.
The following FSA print publications are available online through the use of a screen reader. They are also available in Braille through the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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 reference aid. Apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- The Student Guide
This is the most comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the US Department of Education. Grants, loans, and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid available. The guide explains the programs in detail, including how to apply, and also includes sources of nonfederal aid. The guide is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide.
- Funding Your Education
This is an introductory publication for students in junior high and high school. It provides general information about the federal student financial aid programs and how to apply for them. It is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/fye.
- Repaying Your Student Loans
This publication, designed for borrowers about to enter repayment, explains loan repayment plans, offers tips on budgeting, and explains options such as loan consolidation so that borrowers can avoid repayment problems and successfully manage and repay their debts. It is available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov/repayingpub.
- Braille Bookmark
Now available in a Braille version is our FSA bookmark. These handy pocket-sized items encourage students to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov, and visit our Student Aid on the Web site at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
If you have any questions, please contact our Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.