FUNDING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 

1. Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PD):

The Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities program helps students overcome educational barriers due to their permanent disability. Students may be eligible to receive a non-repayable federal grant (up to $8,000 per program year) to buy adaptive equipment and support services to help them access public or private post-secondary institutions. If the following services are not provided by your school, CSG-PD funding can be used for:

• sign language interpretation
• tutors (specialized tutors only)
• note-takers
• readers
• attendant care for studies (while at school)
• specialized transportation to and from institution only (must be ministry-approved)
• alternative formats (e.g. large or Braille print)
• technical or recording equipment, including Braille, talking calculator and tape recorders
• computers and other technical aids
• 75% of the cost of a learning disability assessment up to $1,200 (if the assessment meets Ministry criteria)

CSG-PD funding cannot be used for:

1. living expenses
2. tuition and books
3. vehicle modifications, alterations for educational institutions or residences a replacement of institutional funds, if institutional funds are available

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2. Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities (APSD):

The Province provides an Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities grants up to $10,000 to buy goods and services that will help them access post-secondary education. Students needing attendant care services may receive grants up to $12,000. Grants cannot be used to pay for tuition or books. Students must have exhausted other funding options before applying for this program.

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3. Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD):

The Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities provides assessments and planning, employment-related training, work placement, employment crisis services, assistive technology and disability supports for people whose disabilities are barriers to employment. Included are aids for hearing, seeing, mobility or agility; and adaptations to computer hardware and software. The program also includes a self-employment component to help people establish and operate their own businesses. For more information about the program, please go to the Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities webpage at StudentAidbc.ca.

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4. Learning Disability Assessment Bursary (LDAB):

Students who believe they may be suffering from a learning disability, but have not yet been officially diagnosed can apply for a learning disability assessment bursary to cover the costs of an assessment. Students can apply to StudentAidbc.ca directly.

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5. BC Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities:

The BC Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities is a non-repayable grant offered to replace up to $1,000 in BC student loan funding for students who have a permanent disability. Once you have applied and are eligible to receive full-time StudentAid BC funding you automatically qualify for the BC Access Grant if you have previously submitted verification of your permanent disability to StudentAid BC. If you are a first-time student with a permanent disability you do not qualify automatically. You must have a medical professional with expertise in your area of disability complete a verification of a permanent disability form that identifies your daily education barriers and submit the documentation to StudentAid BC for assessment.

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6. Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities:

The Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities is for part-time or full-time students with permanent disabilities. It is designed to assist with exceptional educational costs.

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7. Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD):

The Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) is a Ministry of Housing and Social Development initiative that provides a range of specialized services to help individuals with disabilities participate in their communities; pursue their employment goals as they are able, increase their self-reliance, and build skills and experience that may lead to further employment or volunteer opportunities. Services are delivered through EPPD Service Providers throughout the province. Participants in the program work with the EPPD Service Providers to establish their employment goals and plan. Outcomes of these goals and plans may be:

• Part-time employment
• Full-time employment
• Self-employment
• Voluntary employment
• Training or studies that directly lead to employment

For more information on the Ministry of Housing and Social Development's EPPD program visit their website.

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