Anyone know of scholarships that are available for people with epilepsy or who are over 50?
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If you do go back, make sure to get accommodations in place BEFORE you start classes. I have sons in college who have disabilities. They work with the Disability Services department (DS) at their university. Generally, you have to provide information to the DS department but it is private and not disclosed to your instructors unless your agree to it. To get accommodations such as lower course level which they do get but still be considered a full time student so you can get any scholarships you are up for, be on insurance for your family, and other things that full time students get, is one thing to ask for. You can also get longer test taking time (generally up to one and a half times the regular test time), testing in a quiet setting like the DS office or the university testing center instead of the classroom, tutors, note takers, ability to use a tape recorder in the classroom, copy of the instructor's notes, special seating. Here is a list I made for a friend. Universities are not as easy to work with at K-12 schools for accommodations but this is what by law they have to provide in the US.
Note taker why he needs can't listen and write at same time. trouble writing fast
Special testing arrangements
extended why takes him longer 1.5 time available
with reader trouble reading? software read aloud test?
with keyboard handwriting poor
isolated testing testing quiet stress
tape recording notes
special seating front other students distract
use computer assignments handwriting
copies prof notes + overheads
reduced course loads considered
calculator handwriting
frequent breaks stress noise
You can say you need these things because of your medical problem or medication issues. Generally you need a letter from a doctor for neurological conditions to back you up. For most neurologists, they say tell me what you need to me to say and they mean it. So list what you want and say these are needed due to seizures or side affects from medications. You may have to put that for each item you are requesting depending on how picky they are. It is much better to ask for MORE than you want or think you would ever need and have it in place than to try to get it in the middle of the semester!!! I can not stress that enough. Once you have this set up, you don't have to re-do it all every semester but just confirm it. You get a sheet to give to each instructor that just has your name and what you need in accommodations. It doesn't say what disorder you have unless you agree to that. If you have separate testing, generally you have to schedule that. So if the test is on a Wednesday, you have to book it with where you are going to take it and tell the instructor a few days ahead of time so he can get his copy of the test to that place.
Also check if your state has a department of rehabilitation services or something like that. If you are disabled and need training for a job, they MIGHT provide some help. In Texas, it is DARS, and they pay for evaluations, some of tuition and books for people who are disabled. It can cover most of community college and some of others. Hey, every little bit helps. http://www.dars.state.tx.us/
In Christ,
Nedra 2 of 5,
Borg Mom Resistance is Futile in finding what works for my kids with God's help
Nick, 26, AS, ADHD, + CAPD
Ben, 23, AS + ADHD
Matt, 20, very AS, ADHD,+Complex Partial Seizures of the Temporo- Limbic region with VNS
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