Student Grant Guidelines
2007 - 2008

Application periods

Fall Semester:
Monday, September 10, 2007 - Friday, November 16, 2007

Spring Semester:
Monday, January 28, 2008 - Friday, April 18, 2008

Download the DSP grant application [pdf]. Hard copy grant applications are also available in the DSP office.

Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting an application for a DSP Student Grant. Applications that are incomplete, missing hard-copy estimates, inappropriate, and/or lack other required documentation will be placed in pending status for 7 days. If the student does not complete the application or provide the required material within that time the application will be denied. Please direct any questions about the Student Grant to Pamela Brain at 642-0518.

Purpose

Students with disabilities who are eligible for Student Financial Aid may apply for the DSP Student Grant. The intent of the DSP Student Grant is to recognize the unique needs of students with disabilities for assistive technology or specialized equipment that either improves access to instructional material or promotes physical independence. The DSP Student Grant is not an emergency source of funding.

DSP Student Grants are not legally mandated academic accommodations nor are they a part of the Disabled Students' Program legally mandated services.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a DSP Student Grant, you must:

• Be a currently registered and matriculating student with all fees paid who is eligible for Student Financial Aid and have filed a FAFSA.
• Have provided DSP with appropriate disability documentation and completed an assistive technology assessment by the AT specialist verifying your disability-related need for the item(s) requested.
• Applicants with short-term/temporary medical conditions are not eligible for this grant. You must have a permanent disability.
• Have a verified financial need that cannot be met by other available resources or services, such as the Department of Rehabilitation, a Social Security PASS Plan, Workers' Compensation, or special awards or grants.

Conditions

• Applicants may apply for only one award per academic year.
• There is a one-item limit on grant applications for a maximum amount of $1,200. Additional items may be considered if they are related to, or are required to support each other. Collectively the same dollar maximum applies.
• No approvals will be made to hire personnel to assemble, construct, or provide instruction/training for an item.
• Applicants must have exhausted the possibility of using other available resources, including Department of Rehabilitation support, and any coverage under your medical insurance.
• An assessment of the student's assistive technology needs by DSP's Access Technology Specialist is required. A copy of the AT report must be submitted with this application. Access to the DSP Assistive Technology Center will be taken into consideration for all assistive technology requests.
• Ergonomic equipment requests must be related to your verified disability. Your request must include an evaluation and appropriate ergonomic recommendations by a Physical Therapist or other appropriate professional specializing in ergonomics.
• Applicants must provide two hard-copy price estimates from two different vendors/sources on each item requested.
• Applicants will not be reimbursed for any expenditure incurred before your grant application is approved. Grants are not retroactive. There are no exceptions to this.
• The Financial Aid Office will deposit awards into the applicant's CARS account.
• Grant recipients will be required to submit receipts showing that the approved item(s) was/were purchased and used for the approved purpose, within 30 days of receipt of the Grant. Failure to provide receipts will result in the Financial Aid office invoking a charge to your CARS account.
• At the end of the academic year, you may be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the item.

Eligibile Items

Because of limited financial aid resources, grant applications are accepted only for the following requests:

• Equipment or software that improves access to or processing of instructional material by accommodating a student's disability.
• Equipment or software used to improve access or promote greater independence.

Some examples of what may be approved are as follows:

• Augmentative Communication
  Electronic and non-electronic devices that provide a means for expressive and receptive communication for persons without speech.
• Peripheral Computer Devices
  Peripheral computer devices (track balls, scanners, large-screen monitors, keyboards). Also input and output devices (voice, Braille), alternate access aids (head sticks, light pointers, modified or alternate keyboards, switches, and the like) that improve access to computers; reduce and/or assist in the rehabilitation for the student.
• Computer Applications
  Input and output devices (voice, Braille), alternate access aids (head sticks, light pointers), modified or alternate keyboards, switches, special software, voice recognition software, etc., that enable students with disabilities to use a computer.
• Environmental Control Systems
  Primarily electronic systems that enable someone without mobility to control various appliances, electronic aids, security systems, and so on, in their room, home, or other surroundings.
• Seating and Positioning
  Accommodations to a wheelchair or other seating system to provide greater body stability, trunk/head support and an upright posture, and reduction of pressure on the skin surface (cushions, contour seats, lumbar support).
• Aids for Vision/Hearing Impaired
  Assistive equipment, includes magnifiers, Braille or speech output devices, large-print screens, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, TDD/TTYs, visual alerting systems, etc.

Some examples of what will not be approved are as follows:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
  Replacement, substitution, or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids (splints, braces, and the like).
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  Purchase of computer central processing units (including main memory and disk storage) or printers.
• Modifications to Campus or Family/Personal Residence or vehicle.
  A Grant will not be provided to modify or adapt a campus or family/personal residence or vehicle.
• Motorized Vehicles
  Purchase of motorized / electric wheelchairs, carts, scooters, etc. will not be considered.

Application and Review Process

You may request an application from your disability specialist or from Pamela Brain. Submit the application [pdf] and all required supporting documentation to:

Pamela Brain
Disabled Students' Program
260 César Chávez Student Center #4250
510-642-0518

Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission. DSP may consult with appropriate individuals (i.e. Assistive Technology Specialist) should it require specialized review. Delays will occur if your application is incomplete or insufficient documentation is provided. If your application is approved, you will be notified by letter from DSP.