Education Support Resources
Individuals and families managing lupus or other disabilities can access educational and financial support to help succeed in school and beyond. Schools may provide accommodations through 504 plans or IEPs, and resources like CPIR, COPAA and the Lupus Foundation of America help families understand rights and navigate educational systems. NASDSE supports quality education for people with disabilities, and scholarships, grants and financial aid from FinAid, Scholarships.com, the U.S. Department of Education and the Patient Advocate Foundation can help cover tuition, fees and other educational expenses.
Find additional education support resources here:
- Assistance at school for children with lupus
- Lupus and school toolkit
- Lupus at school: A guide for parents and kids
Assistance at School (504 plan and IEPs)
If you or your child experiences any learning problems at school that are caused by or related to lupus, extra assistance or adjustments may be needed at school. You or your child may be legally entitled to such changes if they are deemed to have a disability. The specific assistance that a person who has lupus may receive depends on their individual needs and may include a 504 plan and/or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR)
These centers provide parents with critical information about the relevant processes, their child’s rights, and the parent’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and section 504. They can answer questions and give practical advice on issues specific to your area.
Website: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
The council protects and enforces the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. They enable parents to work more effectively with school personnel to plan and obtain effective educational programs for their children with disabilities.
Website: https://www.copaa.org/default.aspx
FinAid! The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. It can cover a range of educational expenses, like tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.
Website: http://www.finaid.org/
FinAid! The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid – Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Just as there are scholarships and financial aid opportunities exclusively for women and minorities, there are similar offerings for students with disabilities.
Website: http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
Lupus Foundation of America Lupus at School: A Guide for Parents and Kids
Communicating with school should be easy. Download this template to customize a letter for school officials informing them of your child’s lupus, and asking for a meeting to discuss adjustments, assistance, and any other issues.
Website: lupus.org/school-guide
Lupus Foundation of America School Survival Guide for Teens with Lupus
Lupus can be a lot to deal with on top of the demands of middle and high school. Download this guide to help keep your school days fun, productive and healthy!
Website: lupus.org/school-survival-guide
National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc. (NASDSE)
The association provides leadership to ensure the provision of a quality education to every child. It focuses on improving educational services and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities throughout the United States.
Website: https://nasdse.org/
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Scholarship for Survivors
Provides support to individuals under the age of 25, who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer and/or a chronic/life threatening disease within the past 5 years.
Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/apply-for-a-scholarship/
Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com is a free college scholarship search platform that matches you to college scholarships you qualify for.
Website: https://www.scholarships.com/
U.S. Department of Education – Grants and Scholarships
The Department of Education administers grant funding programs that fulfill the Department's mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness, to foster educational excellence, and to ensure equal access.
Website: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/apply-grant/available-grants