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I am often asked "which is better a 504 Plan or an IEP?" My response always starts with "it depends." That' s a hard question to answer, because they both serve different purposes and have their own strengths. In a broad sense, they are both detailed plans, created by the school and parents, to outline how a student with a disability will learn. A 504 Plan and an IEP are both intended to protect a student with a disability to ensure that they are learning in the least restrictive environment.

A 504 Plan and an IEP also have unique differences. The way in which a student qualifies for services under each plan is a major difference. It is more difficult to qualify for special education services and receive an IEP. They both require that a student have a documented disability, but there are additional requirements beyond having that disability to receive Special Education services. A student must meet criteria under one of the categories of special education. Each of those categories have specific criteria mandated by the Department of Education. In addition to having a disability, there must be clear data to support that the disability creates an adverse impact on educational performance and that specialized instruction is essential for the child to be successful. In other words, a student can have a disability, yet not qualify for special education services or an IEP.

To qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability that affects a major life function. That disability does not have to be one of the 14 categories outlined by the Department of Education. It can be any mental or physical disability. That disability has to impact a "major life function." Unlike an IEP, a "major life function" does not have to be educational impact.
Examples of students who have a disability and benefit from a 504 Plan, rather than an IEP:
- A student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who is doing well academically, but need social skills assistance or a specific accommodations such as a visual calendar.

-A student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that does not need specialized instruction, but would benefit from additional time in a less distracting environment for tests and accommodations such as preferential seating or physical breaks.

When is a 504 Plan is a better option?:
A 504 Plan is a better option when the student is able to function well in a regular education environment with accommodations. The 504 is generally less restrictive than the IEP, and it is also less stigmatizing.

When is an IEP is the better option?:
An IEP is a better option for students with a disability that is adversely impacting education. Students who need more than just accommodations to regular education would need an IEP. Eligibility in Special Education opens the door to a variety of related services and supports.

In answer to the question, "Which is Better, a 504 Plan or an IEP?".... It depends on the child and his or her unique needs. I would recommend that parents look carefully at both options before pursuing one over the other.

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I am often asked "which is better a 504 Plan or an IEP?" My response always starts with "it depends." That' s a hard question to answer, because they both serve different purposes and h...

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DTA Program with recreational, life skills, and vocational training.
205 W. GIACONDA WAY STE 155
TUCSON AZ, 85704

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Assure Health Care Group is a DDD qualified vendor and dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing the best options and opportunities to live independently, learn continuously, and work productively throughout their lifetime. By inspiring, advocating and pursuing success with passion and purpose, lives are changed through hope, happiness, and optimism at The All Abilities Learning Center !

​​

​What we do

​Assure Health Care Group of Arizona helps adults across the Phoenix area ages 18 and up who have autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other disabilities, to achieve greater levels of independence through formal, informal and real life experiences. Our goal is to make tomorrow better than today by continually making great strides to further enrich the lives of those we serve and help them flourish. We provide Adult Day Treatment services at our learning center in Mesa, AZ and Tucson AZ.

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Assure Healthcare Group is a DDD qualified vendor and dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing the best options and opportunities to live independently, learn continuously, and work productively t

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Workforce Development and Continuing Education |

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Fast Credentials

Remain competitive with changing jobs and apply what you learn immediately. Working individuals that need updated skills on a short timeline come to Pima Community College as the regional provider of individual classes and micro-pathways to earn employer-recognized credentials.

Some of the micropathways in this program were developed as part of a grant. If you enroll, demographic and employment information will be collected. Financial assistance is available. For additional information email questions to pcc-csnavigator@pima.edu.

Information Technology $2,499.00

Emergency Medical Service EMS $2,150.00

Advanced Manufacturing automated industrial technology $1,750.00

Automotive $1,750.00

Autonomous Vehicle

Carpentry $1,499.00

Electrical $1,499.00

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC $1,499.00

Product Test Specialist
Available Courses

Advanced Manufacturing (automated industrial technology) 12 weeks to completion $1,750.00

UAIT 125 Electrical Systems

UAIT 105 Maintenance Operations

UAIT 100 OSHA 10 for the Construction Industry

UPHI 149 Critical Thinking

Automotive 12 weeks to completion $1,750.00

Accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF). Classes are hands-on, self-paced in the state of the art Auto Tech Center of Excellence at Downtown Campus.

UAUT 101 Automotive Maintenance

UAUT 105 Light Line Maintenance

UAUT 128 Electrical Fundamentals & Applications

UPHI 149 Critical Thinking

Autonomous Vehicle 12 months to completion

The nations first autonomous truck driving program.

UAIT 100 OSHA 10 and Industrial Safety

UAIT 125 Electrical Systems I

UAUV 102 Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles

ULGM 106A Logistics Management: modes of delivery

ULGM 106B Logistics Management: pricing and selection

ULGM 106C Logistics Management: regulatory structure

Carpentry 14 weeks to completion $1,499.00

UBCT 105 Professional Services, Construction Math, Rigging

UBCT 107 Basic Safety, Tools, Blueprint, OSHA 10

UBCT 145 Carpentry I

Electrical 14 weeks to completion $1,499.00

UBCT 105 Professional Services, Construction Math, Rigging

UBCT 107 Basic Safety, Tools, Blueprint

UBCT 172 Electrical I

HVAC 14 weeks to completion $1,499.00

UBCT 105 Professional Services, Construction Math, Rigging

UBCT 107 Basic Safety, Tools, Blueprint

UBCT 130 EPA Clean Air Act Section 608

UBCT 132 Residential and Industrial HVAC I

Plumbing 14 weeks to completion $1,499.00

UBCT 105 Professional Services, Construction Math, Rigging

UBCT 107 Basic Safety, Tools, Blueprint

UBCT 181 Plumbing I

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 12 weeks to completion $2,150.00

Training the United States Air Force and Pima County emergency services personnel with over 95% success on the national certification exam.

UEMT 159 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for health providers

UEMT 100 Emergency Medical Terminology

UPHI 150 Intercultural Fluency

Information Technology - Cybersecurity 27 weeks to completion $2,499.00

Half a million new IT jobs are awaiting credentialed applicants.

UCMN 120 Business and Professional Communication

UPHI 149 Critical Thinking

UCIS 119A Network Essentials

UCIS 124 Google IT Certification

Technical Support Fundamentals

Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

Operating Systems and Becoming a Power User

System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services

IT Security: Defense Against the Digital Dark Arts

UCIS 228A Network Security

Product Test Specialist 12 months to completion
This credential is supported by iRAMM Grant funding. The full price of each course is $995.00. Those students eligible will be using grant funds to pay a reduced price of $395.00. To determine eligibility contact Raichelle by email rsutton6@pima.edu or by phone 520-206-4767.

UELE 111 Circuit Analysis I

UELE 112 Circuit Analysis II

UELE 131 Digital Logic and Circuits

UELE 121 Solid State Devices & Circuits I

UELE 222 Solid State Devices and Circuits II

UELE 251 Electronic Measurements

UELE 261 Communication Systems

UTEC 299 Deburring Workshop

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Fast Career Credentials | Workforce Development and Continuing Education

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Remain competitive with changing jobs and apply what you learn immediately. Working individuals that need updated skills on a short timeline come to Pima Community College as the regional provider of individual classes and micro-pathways to earn employer-recognized credentials. Some of the micropathways in this program were developed as part of a grant.

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DDD Program for those with Disabilities - Tucson JCC

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Disability Program Services The Tucson J is one of Southern Arizona's largest providers of disability services. Through our Taglit Day Program and Arts for All, we offer an array of [...]

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Beacon Group provides services to people with a wide variety of disabilities. We offer programs that support people with disabilities as they develop valuable life and work skills.

People served through Beacon Group have several program choices and numerous employment opportunities and experiences. To help you make these choices, we encourage you to visit us. To schedule a tour or to get any questions answered, please contact us today.

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Beacon Group - Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities in AZ

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Beacon Group provides services to people with a wide variety of disabilities. We offer programs that support people with disabilities as they develop valuable life and work skills. People served through Beacon Group have several program choices and numerous employment opportunities and experiences. To help you make these choices, we encourage you to visit us.

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JTED - Joint Technical Education District

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Programs & Classes

We make high school work for you with premier Career & Technical Education classes that you will actually want to take.

We offer rigorous, relevant, hands-on Career & Technical Education pathways that are also fun and engaging. Whether your future takes you directly to into the workforce or on to college after high school, research shows that our Career & Technical Education programs are proven to help students like you:

Be more successful in high school, as well as in post-secondary education and your chosen career.

Earn industry certifications and state licenses that lead to direct employment.

Gain real-world experience, leadership skills, and be able to earn dual college credit.

Find your passion, whether it's for the industrial trades, health care, technology, or maybe as a first responder.

Start your future now. We have more than 30 Central Campus pathways so you can select the one that suits you. If you're looking to get more out of high school while being able to do what you love, you've come to the right place.

Student & Parent Surveys

Attendance Hotline520-209-2675

JTED Works for Students

By the Numbers

80%
Placement rate in College, Career & Military
2018 Central Program Completers

160k+
Square feet of Career and Technical Education learning spaces
Across 14 Central & Satellite Campuses

5k+
Industry certifications & licenses earned
2015 - 2020 Central Program Completers

$2b
In estimated annual earnings of JTED completers
Extrapolated Central & Satellite Program Completers Since 2007, Based on Median Tucson Income in 2018

Success Stories

Pima JTED played a pivotal role in getting myself to where I am in life today... I'm currently a Wildland Firefighter / EMT with the USFS on the Prescott National Forest."

Andrew Rutherford

2020 - 2022, Fire Service & EMT

We Partner with
the world's best.

Southern Arizona's Premier Career & Technical Education District

We are a public school district that works with business and industry to offer premier, tuition-free* CTE pathways to approximately 22,000 high school age sophomores, juniors and seniors each year. We serve students from public, private, and charter schools, and students who are home-schooled. Pima JTED also welcomes students who have not earned a diploma or GED and are under the age of 22. Students may enroll in a pathway at one of our Central Campuses, located throughout Pima County, or at one of our 36 satellite locations which are in all public high schools in Pima County, Santa Cruz Valley, Nogales, and in Mammoth San Manuel.
*Under Arizona State Law, students who have accepted an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) contract must pay tuition to enroll in one or more of our programs. Learn more
connect with us @pimajted

& check us out on youtube!

The Pima County JTED #11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, language of origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Unless expressly superseded by controlling federal or state statutes, regulations or court decisions, this policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services and individuals with whom the Joint Board does business.

Per ARS 15-903: The average salary of all teachers (38 FTE Certified employees) employed in FY 2024 (budget year) is $60,068. The average salary of all teachers employed in FY 2023 (prior year) was $57,771. The increase in average teacher salary from the prior year was $2,297, which equals 4%.

Teacher to Student Ratio: 1:58.32
Average Class Ratio: 1:27

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Pima JTED - Joint Technical Education District

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We make high school work for you with premier Career & Technical Education classes that you will actually want to take.

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Stop by the Campbell location to check out some of the great items crafted by individuals at Achieve. There's jewelry, birdhouses, ceramics, T-shirts, paintings, and more! Special Holiday items available...

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Achieve Builds Confidence, Inc. - Dream, Believe, Achieve

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Stop by the Campbell location to check out some of the great items crafted by individuals at Achieve. There's jewelry, birdhouses, ceramics, T-shirts, paintings, and more! Special Holiday items available...

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Whether you're a parent or guardian, school counselor or mentor, we know you want the best for the young person in your life. Job Corps helps them reach their goals, find their purpose and guide them along their journey to a better future.

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Find your ideal career path with free training in a number of fields at the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center

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We are proud to offer CPC. This model is proven to be effective with children under the age of five, who have been through scary or painful events such as loss of a loved person, separation, serious medical procedures, abuse or violence at home or in the community,

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We are proud to offer CPC. This model is proven to be effective with children under the age of five, who have been through scary or painful events such as loss of a loved person, separation, serious medical procedures, abuse or violence at home or in the community,

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We offer free practice tests and learning resources to help students prepare to succeed on each of the ACCUPLACER tests.

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CONNECT WITH PIMA CC ACCESS AND DISABILITY RESOURCES

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CONNECT WITH PIMA CC ACCESS AND DISABILITY RESOURCES

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MUSD Pima CC Program Specialist: Tony Taylor
Northwest Campus
7600 North Shannon Road, B-136
Tucson AZ 85709
Phone: (520) 206-2209

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Note: ADR is now offering virtual office hours.

Individuals with disabilities will find that Pima strives to make all college events and activities accessible to them. The ADR office serves students and the community.

Getting Started with ADR

Students New to ADR

To request ADR services, complete an application or contact any ADR office to schedule an appointment. Email ADRhelp@pima.edu if you have questions before starting the process. Learn more about requesting services.

Community Members

To request ADR Services, call (520) 206-6688 or email ADRhelp@pima.edu

Employees

To request accommodations, contact the Employee Service Center, (520) 206-4945.

Already Registered with ADR?

Accommodations may be requested directly through ADR Online.

College Compliance Notice

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in or the benefits of any program or activity operated by Pima Community College because of disability.

Questions?

We're here to help! Email us at ADRhelp@pima.edu

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Access & Disability Resources | Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona

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Note: ADR is now offering virtual office hours. Individuals with disabilities will find that Pima strives to make all college events and activities accessible to them. The ADR office serves students and the community. To request ADR services, complete an application or contact any ADR office to schedule an appointment.

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Pima Community College Assessment Application Tool

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Pima Community College Assessment Application Tool

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EdReady lets you assess your readiness for college math and English, see study options, and get a personalized study path to fill in knowledge gaps.

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Welcome to the Disability Resource Center | Disability Resource Center

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DRC ensures disability access for our campus. We work to create a universally designed campus and reduce the need for individual accommodations through proactive collaboration with University partners.

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YES! Disability Resources is open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For everyone's safety, Disability Resources is holding all intake, registration and consultation appointments virtually. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a ZOOM or phone meeting, please call our main office number at (928) 523-8773, or email DR@nau.edu. During this busy time when calling our office you may get our voice mail. If this happens, please make sure to leave a message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Disability Resources will be available to proctor exams when a class is having in-person proctored exams. If you have an exam that is set up as an online exam, whether it is proctored or un-proctored, you do not need to schedule to take it at D.R. When you register with D.R. for the semester and notify your professors through AXEss, they are provided the information about your exam accommodations. They are also given instructions on how to provide your accommodations for online exams. D.R. is available to faculty and students to consult about unique circumstances.

With classes being taught using NAUFlex, most class meetings will be recorded and available for review throughout the semester. With that in mind, it will not be necessary to provide note takers in most situations. If you have a situation for which you feel note takers are still required please contact our office at (928) 523-8773 or DR@nau.edu.

With classes being taught using NAUFlex, class meetings will be available virtually through a live stream. Most class meetings will be recorded and available for review throughout the semester. With that in mind, it will not be necessary to provide modified attendance accommodations in most situations. If you have a situation for which in person or synchronous attendance is still required please contact our office at (928) 523-8773 or DR@nau.edu.

If you are not currently registered with Disability Resources, please follow the steps outlined on the Student Eligibility Process page on our website.

If you are a Disability Resources registered student, please contact the office at (928) 523-8773 or DR@nau.edu to set up a time to discuss your new requests.

Extended time on exams as an accommodation generally only applies to traditional, time-limited exams. If you decide to offer alternative means of assessment (e.g. essays, non-timed exams, project work), then a student's extended time may no longer be applicable. We encourage you to speak with registered students if that is the case.

Disability Resources will be available to proctor exams when a class is having in-person, proctored exams. If you are administering an exam that is set up as an online exam, whether it is proctored or un-proctored, Disability Resources will not provide proctoring at the testing center. When students register with Disability Resources for the semester, they should notify you through AXEss about their exam accommodations.

Faculty are responsible for setting up extended testing time for online exams in BbLearn. You can find instructions for Creating Extended Time from E-Learning .

Disability Resources is available to consult with faculty if you have a specific question or circumstance.

We acknowledge the significant effort required to adapt your courses to NAUFlex instruction. We want to collaborate with you to ensure that access for students with disabilities is maintained in this instructional environment. Some students may encounter new disability-related barriers with NAUFlex (e.g. students who use assistive technology, students with medical limitations on screen usage). D.R. staff are available for consultation. (Phone: 928-523-8773 or DR@nau.edu)

If you have students in your course who are utilizing alternative format materials or media, the Alternative Format team is working with faculty and students to ensure access to newly selected/created course material. The team is also working proactively with instructors of blind students to discuss accessibility strategies for course lectures, documents, activities, etc.

If you have students in your course who utilizing ASL, CART or captioned media, we are proactively working with faculty of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students to ensure captioning for prerecorded videos and/or arranging interpreting/transcribing services for real-time class meetings via Collaborate or Zoom.

Below are some tips to keep in mind as you are creating virtual course content (adapted from DO-IT):

Use clear, consistent layouts and organization schemes for presenting content, and make instructions and expectations clear for activities, projects, and assigned reading.

Offer outlines, scaffolding tools, and adequate opportunities for practice to help students learn.

When selecting new materials, try to find videos that are already captioned, and articles that are available in a text-searchable format .

Images can be made accessible to blind and low-vision students by providing captions or inserting alt text into the image. Use large, bold fonts on uncluttered pages with plain backgrounds and color combinations that are high contrast.

Provide flexibility and understanding as this experience may cause disruption to the student's home life and available resources - which may negatively impact a student's disability symptoms.

For more tips, visit:

With classes being taught using NAUFlex, and class meetings will be available virtually through a live stream. Most class meetings will be recorded and available for review throughout the semester. With that in mind, it will not be necessary to provide modified attendance accommodations in most situations. If you have a situation for which you require in person or synchronous attendance is still required please contact our office at (928) 523-8773 or DR@nau.edu.

Fostering Success Through Access

Disability Resources (DR) leads collaborations with students, faculty, staff, and the campus community to cultivate a universally designed environment, and facilitates the removal of existing barriers for the full inclusion of people with disabilities.

We provide services and accommodations at no cost to all Northern Arizona University students who have current documentation of a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including but not limited to walking, talking, learning, hearing, or seeing.

An example of a few of the services and accommodations provided include:

Haben Girma: Keynote Speaker at the 2019 Annual AHEAD Conference

Haben Girma is the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. In this video she speaks to over 1300 attendees at the 2019 AHEAD Conference in Boston.

Northern Arizona University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or other legally or policy protected status, in the university's services, educational programs, and activities, including but not limited to, admission to and employment by the university. As a federal contractor, the university is committed to affirmative action in employment for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans.

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Disability Resources | Resource Center For Issues Related To Disability And Access For Students, Faculty, And Staff

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YES! Disability Resources is open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For everyone's safety, Disability Resources is holding all intake, registration and consultation appointments virtually. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a ZOOM or phone meeting, please call our main office number at (928) 523-8773, or email DR@nau.edu.

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PCC Programs that do not require Placement Testing

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PCC Programs that do not require Placement Testing

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Pima Certificates with No Placement Test

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Beacon Group provides services to people with a wide variety of disabilities. We offer programs that support people with disabilities as they develop valuable life and work skills.

People served through Beacon Group have several program choices and numerous employment opportunities and experiences. To help you make these choices, we encourage you to visit us. To schedule a tour or to get any questions answered, please contact us today.

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Beacon Group - Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities in AZ

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Beacon Group provides services to people with a wide variety of disabilities. We offer programs that support people with disabilities as they develop valuable life and work skills. People served through Beacon Group have several program choices and numerous employment opportunities and experiences. To help you make these choices, we encourage you to visit us.

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Raising Special Kids Workshops and Resources

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Raising Special Kids Workshops and Resources

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Individual consultation

Individual problem-solving support to understand and access the programs, health plans, and services your child may need.

Parent-to-parent support

Connections with a trained parent "mentor" who has a child with a similar diagnosis and is skilled at providing information and support.

Training & workshops

Increase advocacy skills, and improve your ability to work with professionals on your child's educational and medical needs.

Amellaly (Ally) Martinez knows firsthand the value of connecting with other parents whose children have...

I hope you are all enjoying the cooler temperatures that September and October bring to...

Parents might think their children won't be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they receive services...

Throughout Conor's school years, his behavior frequently interfered with his ability to successfully participate in...

"RSK helped me navigate a world I knew nothing about at one of the lowest...

As Cristina Renteria prepared to send her son Atlas to developmental preschool, she ran into...

I'm so grateful to learn that Raising Special Kids is truly here to offer support. There is no catch, no gimmick, and no charge. I have found emotional support from people who understand what it is like to have a child with special needs.
- Parent

Get started

Raising Special Kids Family Referral Form

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Individual consultation Individual problem-solving support to understand and access the programs, health plans, and services your child may need. Parent-to-parent support Connections with a trained parent "mentor" who has a child with a similar diagnosis and is skilled at providing information and support.

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Students with disabilities deserve an education just like every other student. And like the majority of college students, students with disabilities often have trouble finding ways to pay for school and school related costs. There are many special scholarships and financial aid opportunities intended for particular students, such as minority students, those studying a particular field or applicants with a notable academic record. There are also special financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities. The purpose of this guide is to focus on these financial aid opportunities and discuss how to take advantage of them.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

One of the best ways to pay for college is with a scholarship. Scholarships are offered by private companies, organizations, schools and more, and the funds do not have to be paid back. Here are some of the best scholarship options for students with disabilities.

General Disabilities

This category of scholarships is for students living with one or more documented disabilities.
The Louie Family Foundation Scholarship
Organization: The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 31

This scholarship is for high school students planning to attend college or university and have shown exceptional levels of achievement. Students with a documented serious disability receive preference.
Elastic Band Co. Scholarship
Organization: Elastic Band Co.

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 31

The Elastic Band Co. wants to promote students to enter the fashion and/or entrepreneurship fields, especially those who are minority students or have an ADA recognized disability.
AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
Organization: American Association on Health and Disability

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November 15

This is for students suffering from a disability who are in college or graduate school in order to study a field relating to health and disability concerns.
BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity through Education Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Organization: Lime Connect

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: Varies

Undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities studying a business, engineering, math or science discipline can apply for this prestigious scholarship.
John Weir Academic Scholarship for College-Bound Seniors with Disabilities
Organization: Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living

Amount: Varies

Deadline: April 1

High school seniors with any significant disability who live in one of the eligible Michigan counties are eligible for this scholarship.

Understanding that students come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and being willing to accommodate is crucial to a student and university's success. From a deaf student's perspective, I feel that it's important that universities focus on the how accommodations, such as c-print, note taking, and even having an interpreter present, will contribute to a deaf student's success in their field in the working world. I've witnessed that it can be easy to get caught up in finances when focusing on the student's short term success, which will be only 4 four years at a university.
Victoria Popov
Senior at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) pursuing a BS in biomedical sciences and recipient of a scholarship for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Federal Student Aid Programs

When a student prepares for college, one of the most important first steps is to look for federal student aid. This will be available to all students, including those who attend online colleges and those with a recognized disability. Federal financial aid programs can be divided into two types: awards that need to be paid back and those that do not.

Federal student aid programs which must be repaid include:Perkins Loans

These are low interest loans made available to students in extreme financial need.
Stafford Loans
Low interest loans that must be repaid. They can be either subsidized or unsubsidized.
Direct Subsidized Loans
These loans are available to students with financial need. Any interest is covered by the US government.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
These loans are available to all students, regardless of financial need. The student, not the US government, will pay the interest on the loan.
Direct PLUS Loans
Available to graduate and professional students as well as their parents, to help pay for schooling.
Federal student aid grants that do not have to be paid back include:Federal Pell Grant
Exact Pell Grant amounts will depend on a variety of factors, including financial need. However, the most a student can receive is $5,815 (for the 2016-2017 year).
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
This is based on extreme financial need. Between $1,000 and $4,000 may be provided to the student.
Federal Work Study
Students are employed by their school for part-time jobs to earn money to pay for school expenses. Part of the student's wage is paid for by the federal government. Federal work study is awarded based on financial need.

Financial Aid for People with Disabilities

In addition to the standard federal financial aid possibilities available to most college students, there are certain financial aid options specifically for students with disabilities. We take a look at a few of those here.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program that provides supplemental income to low-income individuals who are over the age of 65, blind or disabled. In order for an individual to qualify for SSI, they must meet the following requirements:

1. They're 65 years old (or older), blind or disabled,

2. They are a legal US resident in one of the 50 states,

3. Their income is at or below a predetermined level and

4. They formally apply via application, either by telephone or in person, at the local Social Security office.

For students under 18, their parent's income and assets will be examined for determining if the student qualifies for SSI.

Plan for Achieving Self Support (PLAN)

PLAN, also known as PASS, is a program run by the Social Security Administration. It is for disabled individuals who also qualify for SSI. What makes PLAN special is that it allows the individual to obtain income to work toward a professional goal, while not compromising the ability to receive SSI benefits.

In order to obtain SSI benefits, an individual must have limited income. So if they find a job that earns enough money, they may no longer be eligible for SSI payments. However, under PLAN, if the individual finds a job or other source of income and spends that money in a particularly productive way, such as getting an education to find better employment, then the Social Security Administration will not count the income used toward that goal for determining if a person is (or is not) eligible for SSI.

In order for a student to take advantage of this program, they need to prepare a plan which sets forth a job the student will work toward, how the student will get there (such as getting a particular degree), the money needed to get to the goal (and how the student will get that money) and a deadline for achieving the goal. Once a plan is created, it can be submitted to the Social Security Administration.

A student will be eligible for PLAN if one of the following requirements is met:

The student would be eligible for SSI, if not for the student's income and/or assets, or

The student is already receiving SSI benefits, but those benefits will be reduced if the student obtains more income to pay for the work goals, and should the student eventually reach the goal, they will no longer need to receive SSI benefits.

Comprehensive Transition and Post-secondary Program

The Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program is any college program offered by a US Department of Education approved school that is designed to help students with intellectual disabilities. CTP is for those students who want to gain skills for independent living and work. At least half of the curriculum requires the student with intellectual disabilities to interact with nondisabled students.

Basically, the CTP program works by providing opportunities within specific college programs, where students with intellectual disabilities can obtain academic, social, work and practical skills enrichment by interacting with other students, both disabled and nondisabled.

Schools that have CTP programs include:

University of California, Los Angeles

Clemson University

University of Delaware

University of Iowa

Murray State University

New York Institute of Technology

Ohio State University

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Commonwealth University

One of the best professors I've had in graduate school believes that a u-shaped classroom is most beneficial to learning. So, every day before class starts all twenty students move our desks into a circle so everyone can feel included and see each other's faces. This may sound small, but I've never experienced that in college, and I'm able to hear and interact with my classmates without difficulty. Professors who take the time to make sure the visual media they show is captioned are similarly helpful. I think that professors should be required to attend disability-specific seminars to learn how they can serve students with disabilities.
Mary Jane Rogers
Master's of journalism student at the University of Missouri, Columbia and recipient of a scholarship for deaf and hard of hearing students.

State Programs for Attending School

Practically all states offer some form of financial aid and vocational assistance to students, whether the student is disabled or not. Most states will have a special agency or department that focuses on higher education, including how to pay for it.>

For example, Pennsylvania has the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), which oversees Pennsylvania's state grant and work study programs. The PHEAA also administers the state's Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Grant Program, which provides up to $500 per year in grant aid to qualified students who are also Pennsylvania residents.

Pennsylvania offers vocational rehabilitative services through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The OVR provides career services, including certification and training programs. The OVR also provides individualized services to disabled individuals by helping them find, train for and keep gainful employment. These services can include job placement assistance, assistive technology, on-the-job training, skills evaluation and medical diagnostic services.

Pennsylvania isn't the only state with such programs and agencies. For example, Washington state's Washington Student Achievement Council provides need-based grants, scholarships and work study programs to students. Washington also has the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), which is specifically tasked with helping disabled Washington residents find jobs. The DVR provides independent living services, career counseling, assistive technology and specialized training and education programs to individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Most states have vocational rehabilitation agencies and programs tailored to those with disabilities, like Pennsylvania and Washington do. However, most states' college financial aid agencies do not have specific programs for students with disabilities. Instead, the state financial aid offerings available to nondisabled students are also available to students with disabilities. Pennsylvania is one exception. Another exception is South Dakota's Board of Regents, which offers a scholarship that provides special consideration to students who are disabled.

Acquiring a Disability after Graduation

When a student takes on loan obligations in order to attend school, it's with the understanding that it will be paid back in full, often with interest. However, federal law provides certain situations where a student's federal loans do not need to be paid back.>

If a student is declared to have a total and permanent disability (TPD), the student will not have to repay the following federal loans:

Additionally, the service obligation for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant may be waived.

In order to have TPD loan forgiveness, the student must provide the necessary information to the US Department of Education, who will determine if the student is allowed a TPD loan discharge.

There are three ways a student can show TPD:

Students who may be eligible for the TPD loan discharge can start the application process online, by telephone or by e-mail.

Once a TPD discharge is granted by the US Department of Education, there is a three year post-discharge monitoring period that the student must comply with in order for the loans to stay discharged. This three-year monitoring requirement doesn't apply if the student is a veteran and obtained the discharge through a Veterans Administration determination that the student was unemployable due to a disability obtained during military service.

Professors can help me by defining better ahead of time certain readings we may have to follow, or sharing lecture notes before class - so I know what I can focus on to make sure I comprehend before arriving to that lecture so I am prepared and understand what verbal cues I need to follow so I can keep up with the class. For every second I get confused with my notes by what was said, I lose about 5 minutes of information in trying to catch up with my mind and my hearing, since I do not hear at the same speed as someone with "normal" hearing would. Also, if the professor is difficult to hear or loves to move around the room a lot when lecturing, I love it when they wear a microphone.
Jessica Hill
Doctor of physical therapy student at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and recipient of a scholarship for deaf and hard of hearing students.

A Scholarship Recipient Offers Advice

Abigail Brewer is a sophomore at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She is studying Teaching English as a Second Language with the intention to work as an ESL instructor. Abigail is a 2017 recipient of the Anders Tjellström Scholarship from Cochlear.

Q What kind of challenges has your disability meant for you?
A My biggest struggle as a college student with hearing loss is being open with my friends. I can cover my hearing aid with my hair, so I often find it easier to pretend like I don't have any hearing loss instead of being real with those around me. However, I have learned over the past semester that my friends don't mind that I struggle with hearing loss. They appreciate me for who I am, and my hearing loss doesn't affect their perception of me as a person. Once I discovered that I could confidently live life with my hair up, my view of myself changed, and I began to trust others with my story as well.

Q How does this scholarship change your college journey?
A The scholarship from Cochlear will definitely open up many opportunities for me. The scholarship provides more than just a financial blessing, for it also gives me a chance to share my story with other students. It is such a blessing to know that I will have additional money for books, housing, and tuition during my college years, and I hope to save some of the money as well. The scholarship from Cochlear gives me an opportunity to dream big dreams about what I can do for others both now and in the future, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity.

Q What could your college do to make life easier for you?
A My university does a fantastic job of equipping our large lecture halls with sound systems. My professors use microphones in my large classes to make it easy to hear and understand their words, which is something that all students greatly appreciate. I am grateful that my university has made it a priority to equip our classrooms with quality sound equipment, therefore fostering an easier learning environment.

Advocacy Resources & Help for Students with Disabilities

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Scholarships & Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities | Accredited Schools Online

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Students with disabilities deserve an education just like every other student. And like the majority of college students, students with disabilities often have trouble finding ways to pay for school and school related costs. There are many special scholarships and financial aid opportunities intended for particular students, such as minority students, those studying a particular field or applicants with a notable academic record.

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Required AFQT Score
Army - 31
Navy - 35
Marines - 31
Air Force - 36
Coast Guard - 45

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Get all the information you need on joining the army, including meeting a recruiter, fitness and academic qualifications required documents and more.

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Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

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MARINE RESERVE OPTION

Enlisted or officer, as one of the Few in the Marine Reserve, you will forever be known by the title you earn-United States Marine. The training commitments of Marine Officers and Enlisted Marines in the Reserve are identical: one weekend a month and two consecutive weeks every year.

DIFFERENT TERMS. SAME STANDARDS.

Enlisted Marines in the Reserve go through the same intense training and work in the same Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) as their active-duty counterparts. However, with the ability to train on a different schedule near home or school, these Marines can continue to pursue a full-time civilian career or education.

THE RESERVE OFFICER

A Marine Officer in the Reserve must meet the same qualification process required of all active-duty officers, and upon completion, he or she will be assigned to a reserve unit, often near his or her hometown.

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MARINE RESERVE OPTION Enlisted or officer, as one of the Few in the Marine Reserve, you will forever be known by the title you earn-United States Marine. The training commitments of Marine Officers and Enlisted Marines in the Reserve are identical: one weekend a month and two consecutive weeks every year.

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United States Navy Recruiting | Navy.com

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Are you considering the U.S. Navy as enlisted or as an officer? Learn about the American Navy and your career opportunities within the U.S. Armed Forces.

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The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations-such as carpenters, teachers, and veterinarians. Revised annually, the latest version contains employment projections for the 2022-32 decade.

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Guardianship Basics

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AZCourtHelp website for help with Guardianship

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Court appointment of a for an alleged incapacitated person is more involved than appointment in the of a . A formal must be started by petitioning the Court for either a limited or general guardianship.

Limited guardianship - allows the guardian to only manage some of the affairs of the

General guardianship - gives the guardian the right to to manage all business and personal matters for the ward
Hearing
There must be a hearing in the county the person lives in to determine if the adult is incapacitated and unable to take care of themselves without a guardian. The adult in question must be served personally at least 14 days before the hearing. Notice of a hearing on determining their capacity must also be given to, if applicable, their:
Court Hearing Rights of the Alleged Incapacitated Person
They have the same rights of due process:

The Court will assign:

A (if they do not have one of their own)

An "investigator" to interview the people involved and visit the living situation. This person is typically someone in social , a nurse, or someone trained in the and an officer, employee, or appointee of the Court

An "examiner" to give a medical exam of the incapacitated person. This person is a doctor, psychologist, or registered nurse.

Bond
A bond may be required by the guardian, but are not mandated in every situation. Normally a conservator is appointed if the ward owns a large amount of or (typically, larger than $10,000 a year). The guardian has a right to receive funds and benefits, but if the amount is large, the Court will require a bond.

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Guardianship of an Incapacitated Adult Thru Court Order

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Court appointment of a for an alleged incapacitated person is more involved than appointment in the of a . A formal must be started by petitioning the Court for either a limited or general guardianship.

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Determine strengths, multiple intelligence and career options

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Helps you relate your interests and abilities to career choices.

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The O*NET® team has designed a set of self-directed career exploration/assessment tools to help workers consider and plan career options, preparation, and transitions more effectively. They also are designed for use by students who are exploring the school-to-work transition.

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What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multiple-choice test, used to predict academic and occupational success in the military. Take the ASVAB practice test.

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Career Clusters Activity

Career "clusters" are groups of careers that share common themes or require similar skills.

For this activity, read each statement and select the statements that are true for you. The results will prioritize the career clusters based on your responses.
Just Show Me the Results

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Career "clusters" are groups of careers that share common themes or require similar skills. For this activity, read each statement and select the statements that are true for you. The results will prioritize the career clusters based on your responses. Just Show Me the Results

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arizona disability benefits 101 db101 ssi ssdi social security medicare medicaid ahcccs eitc freedom to work health coverage aca obamacare healthcare.gov

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Disability Benefits 101-Arizona gives you tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.

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IHD: Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) | AT Demonstration and Loan Program

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AzTAP AT Lending Library Devices can be borrowed by persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, etc. for two weeks at a time. Devices may be picked up from the AzTAP office or can be shipped/returned at no cost to the borrower.

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Definition of Assistive Technology

An assistive technology device is any "item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device." [20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.5].

An assistive technology service refers to any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. This includes the following for a child with a disability:

The evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in his or her customary environment;

Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices;

Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or, if appropriate, the child's family; and

Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.

[20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.6].

Assistive Technology Consideration Resource Guides
Assistive Technology Consideration Guide

Reading

Writing

Math

Listening

Speaking

Seating, Positioning, & Mobility

Activities of Daily Living

Studying & Organization

Recreation & Leisure

Prevocational and Vocational

ADE/ESS Assistive Technology Short-Term Loan Library
Check out our FREE AT Loan Library
For Parents
Understood - for learning & attention issues Hey, Can I try That? - A Student Handbook for Choosing and Using Assistive Technology ¡Oye! ¿Puedo yo intentar eso? (Spanish version) That Could Work For Me! - A Handbook for Adults About Choosing and Using Assistive Technology
AzTAP Loan Library (for families)

Assistive Technology Professional Learning Opportunities

The Assistive Technology team is pleased to present a wide range of professional development opportunities, from 30 minute AT-JOTs to full-day seminars with nationally recognized AT professionals.

Additional Resources

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative offers free AT consideration and assessment resources for schools.

OCALI's FREE Assistive Technology Internet Modules

Each module guides you through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, a glossary, and much more.

Assistive Technology Tools In Public Schools is a podcast about using technology to help students meet their educational goals.

AT MEGA Collection

The AT Mega Collection is being updated.

Doug Cutler, M.A., CCC-SLP

Laura Wooten-LaFranier, M.Ed.

Page revised 11/20/2023

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ADE Seal Logo 2023 Definition of Assistive TechnologyAn assistive technology device is any "item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.