Grant available for post secondary education

By Joan Janzen

Did you know that if you have a child with a disability, who plans to attend a post-secondary educational institution, they may be eligible for a grant? The Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities offers grants of up to $22,000 per program year that do not need to be paid back. The grant includes up to $20,000 for the Canada Grant and up to $2,000 for the Saskatchewan Grant.

The grants help your child succeed and can be used for assistive technology, proctors, note-takers, scribes, tutors, equipment and more. The application states that if you are a student with either a permanent or persistent, or prolonged disability enrolled in a program at a post-secondary education institution, you may be eligible. Disabilities are defined as any impairment, including physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, sensory, or functional limitations. Eligible students have an impairment that restricts their ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies or to participate in the labour force.

Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time program at a designated post-secondary institution. They are also required to include a Verification of Disability form, filled out by a doctor, or a medical certificate provided by a doctor. Also required is a written confirmation of the exceptional education-related services or equipment they need.

Those students with a learning disability need to obtain a Learning Disability Assessment, which was completed when they were 18 years or older or when they were in high school. Students who are already enrolled in a post-secondary program must submit a separate application for student loans and grants.

Application forms are available from the Student Service Centre, 1120 - 2010 - 12th Avenue, Regina, S4P 0M3, or phone 1-800-597-8278.