Special Education Loans

Disability or other physical abnormalities should not be a hindrance for students who want to pursue higher education. In order to provide financial assistance to students who are physically disabled or suffering from any type of disability, special education loans have been introduced. Also, students who have been unable to continue further education due to emotional disturbances, emergency hospitalization for a prolonged period or any other specific reason are also eligible for special education loans and grants. Special education loans are used to cater to the special needs and additional costs of education for students who are qualified. For example, blind students require Braille translated textbooks or special computer equipments that can help them in studying.

There are a variety of special education loans and grants offered by the federal government. Information on these special education loans and other financial resources can be obtained from the office of The American Council on Education's HEATH Resource Center or at the office of the U.S. Department of Education's Clearinghouse on Disability Information. Apart from the federal loans, even the schools and universities provide scholarships and grants that have been specifically designed for special students. These loans are disbursed through the special education office or center present at the school.

Students applying for special education loans and grants are also eligible for regular grants. One should apply for all so as to increase the chances of getting complete funding. In order to be eligible for a special educational loan or grant, you must apply early. Many times, schools even have special provisions such as tuition fee waivers and special centers with tutors, Braille textbooks and other special educational needs. It is important to contact the school authorities before applying for a special education loan.

What Makes Special Education So Special

Special education is defined as specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. These types of students can range from partially to severely disabled. Until you have a child requiring special education you can not appreciate the tremendous job the educators who work with these kids do.

Most schools provide some level of special education if your child has a learning disability on any particular area. Some have a full time staff who specialize in various areas to help children. Depending on the severity you may be faced with enrolling your child in a special needs school. This is something you will have to discuss with your teachers and school administrators.

There are many excellent online resources for parents to research and learn things they can do to help their child as well. Just Google searching the keyword phrase "special education" will bring up thousands of results to get you started. Most parents want to be involved in helping their kids and the internet is becoming a big help in this area. One thing you can do is sign up for as many free email newsletters on the subject of special education to easily be kept up to date on a weekly and monthly basis.

One of the primary problems parents and kids both face, when it comes to educating their kids who require special needs, is how to let them interact with other kids. Social development is certainly important to the growth of a child, many times as much so as education itself. It is generally in the best interest of your child to interact with other kids as often as possible.

Of course a common problem is how to deal with insensitive comments made to you child by other kids. As a parent it is only natural to try and protect your child, when it fact it may be better to let them learn how to handle things themselves. Most kids will seek out and want to play and be around other kids who accept them for who they are.

This is an important step in the development in the education of your child. Overall it is important to let your child interact with other kids as early and often as possible. Only step in when you feel it is really necessary and in the long run you are doing your child a favor.

This has been a quick overview on special education and what you can do as a parent to be more involved. The development of special needs children in many ways is more rewarding than other children and knowing you played a role in that is a feeling you will never replace.