Financial Support
Students with disabilities should not incur expenses that their peers do not. There are a number of financial aid options available for students with disabilities. It is important to note that under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Student Awards and Financial Aid, students must apply for OSAP to assess their eligibility for any of the following grants and bursaries.
Students with a permanent disability who take a reduced course load (as low as 40 per cent or two courses) may still qualify to receive financial aid.
Canada Student Grant for Persons with Permanent Disabilities
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About the Grant
This grant helps students with permanent disabilities pay for education-related costs such as tuition, books, mandatory fees, cost of living and transportation.
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How to Apply
Submit an OSAP application for each academic year. For more information about the documentation requirements and application deadlines, visit the OSAP website.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
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What is the BSWD?
Students who qualify for OSAP may also apply for the BSWD, which is funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments. This bursary provides up to $2,000 per academic year for academic supports and services. Unlike OSAP, this bursary does not need to be repaid.
To qualify for the BSWD, you must:
- Apply and qualify for OSAP;
- Be a full-time or part-time student with a permanent or temporary disability; and
- Be registered with Student Accessibility Services.
Unlike OSAP, this bursary does not need to be repaid.
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How to Apply
- Book an appointment with your Accessibility Advisor or Learning Strategies Counsellor.
- Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) administers the bursary, including the distribution of your funds.
Note: Any purchases made before receiving approval for this bursary may not be approved
The guidelines for the BSWD changes every year. If you are considering applying for this bursary, speak to your counsellor or advisor.
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Eligible Disability-Related Costs
For a complete list of eligible BSWD costs, please refer to the current BSWD manual on the OSAP website. These include:
- Assessments: psychoeducational or other disability assessment;
- Assistive Software and Equipment;
- Computer Accessories; and
- Services: tutor, notetaker, academic strategist, coach, attendant care for studies, educational assistant, specialized transportation (for students with mobility issues only).
Recipients of this bursary must keep their receipts for audit.
Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA)
Student Awards and Financial Aid offers scholarships and bursaries funded by external donors, provincial and federal governments, and by the university.
To learn more about the available bursaries and awards, see the Awards and Financial tab on MyOntarioTech or press the button below.
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
The NEADS has an excellent page to search for bursaries and awards for students with disabilities who are studying at colleges and universities in Canada. Every year thousands of dollars are unclaimed because no one applied—the recipient could be you! Please check the NEADS website periodically and be mindful of application deadlines.
VIEW AVAILABLE AWARDS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
"Achieving Beyond" Brain Injury Charitable Foundation
Created by two parents who have created a scholarship which celebrate Pediatric Stroke and Brain Injury survivors who've shown interest in bringing awareness to the wider community. Deadline is June 30th of each year.
