For students living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), the path to higher education can come with some extra challenges, including financial concerns.
Despite these barriers, students with SCI deserve the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed as their peers. There are many scholarships and grants available for students who need a helping hand when it comes to higher education needs.
In this article, we’ll explore more about the barriers to entry for students with disabilities, why this matters and detail some of the most notable scholarships and grants available to support these students.
We’ll also share how Aspire Law is here to assist students throughout their journey with SCI, advising them on financial compensation and so much more.
Financial barriers to education
The costs associated with attending university or training programmes, ones that will open new doors and encourage professional development, can be significantly higher for students with SCI.
Plus, many of these costs are hidden, but are essential for someone with SCI to fulfil their educational goals. From assistive technology to accessible transport and personal care support, the additional expenses can add up quickly.
These expenses can often make higher education feel out of reach. Fortunately, there are grants and scholarships that are designed to bridge that gap and empower students with SCI to fulfil their educational dreams.
The importance of equal educational opportunity
Education is not just about earning a qualification; it’s a pathway to independence, confidence, and ultimately a meaningful career. But for SCI-affected students, accessing this level of education can be especially difficult.
Every student affected by SCI, no matter their stage in life, should have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Grants and scholarships play a vital role in making education fair and accessible. They not only ease the financial burden but also signal to students of all abilities that their ambitions are worth investing in.
Rewarding hard work with spinal cord injury scholarships
Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, personal merit, or financial need. They do not have to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for SCI-affected students.
Many UK universities provide targeted financial support for disabled students. These scholarships can vary widely by institution, so it’s important to speak with your university’s disability support or student finance team. They can help identify opportunities you may be eligible for.
Grants for spinal cord injury affected students
Grants are usually offered by government bodies, universities, or charitable organisations. Like scholarships, they don’t need to be repaid. Grants can cover a wide range of expenses, from living costs to support services.
Charitable organisations
Several UK charities offer funding and spinal cord injury grants for students, including the following:
The Back-Up Trust
Many changes can be made to educational facilities to ensure that students are fully included in their school environment, which can cost “little to nothing to implement”. However, there are some areas that will require a little more financial support, such as building adaptations and funding for complex care.
This funding is more applicable to children and young adults; however, it’s crucial to acknowledge that aspirations for higher education begin at a young age, so if your child feels supported and empowered to fulfil their dreams early on, the impact of this kind of support is undeniable.
Students of all ages and abilities deserve to believe that anything is possible!
Aspire
Although Aspire’s grants aren’t education-specific, their programme is a great support for those who have been paralysed by SCI and need that extra support to help them live independently.
This programme helps those with SCI purchase essential mobility equipment, like wheelchairs, that they might not otherwise be able to afford. These personal care costs aren’t necessarily covered by education-specific grants and scholarships, so if you do need that initial financial assistance, Aspire is here to help.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
This is one of the most invaluable resources for people with disabilities entering higher education.
Across the UK, you are eligible to receive different allowances, so make sure you check beforehand. For example, in England you can get a maximum allowance of £27,783 (excluding travel) for both full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The support you can receive from the DSA is split into 4 different categories, including specialist equipment, non-medical, general and travel, which all specifically relate to your needs as a student.
This allowance can support students in paying for a computer, specialist software and assistive technology to help them with their studies, specialist furniture, such as back support, training in the use of the equipment and more.
If you’re a student affected by SCI, make sure you check your eligibility and find out how much support you could receive. It will make a world of difference.
University-specific grants
Beyond national schemes like DSA, many universities also offer their own support systems.
Although many of a SCI-affected student’s needs can be fulfilled by such grants and scholarships, universities also legally have a duty to support their students, especially those who need extra services and funding, under the Equality Act. So, don’t hesitate to ask if you need something. They might not be able to cover the full cost, but every little helps.
Encouragement and resources
You are not alone. In addition to financial aid, SCI-affected students can benefit from support groups, online communities, and mentoring services.
Helpful resources include:
- UCAS – Disabled Students Financial Support
- Save the Student – Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
- Disability Rights UK – Funding Postgraduate Education
Financial support with Aspire Law
With the right support, both financial and emotional, students with spinal cord injuries can thrive in higher education. Scholarships and grants are so much more than just money to students affected by SCI; they can open doors to a brighter future.
If you or someone you know is living with SCI and planning to pursue further education, we encourage you to explore the funding options available and to advocate for your needs with confidence.
As the UK’s leading law firm for spinal injury claims, our specialist team of legal experts are here to provide you with expert advice about your injury and support you throughout every stage of the journey. From housing needs and interim payments, to rehabilitation costs and compensation, our team is on hand to get you the assistance you deserve. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
