Access to Bursaries

Students with documented disabilities who qualify for the Ontario Special Assistance program (OSAP) or Ontario Student Bursary Program (OSBP) are eligible to apply for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) - up to $10,000, depending on the program. This bursary is for purchasing services and equipment needed to support a student with a disability in a post-secondary environment.

To be eligible for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities, you must:

• Have applied and been deemed eligible for a Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan and/ or Grant (full-time students) or a Part-Time Canada Student Loan and/or Grant(part-time students)
• Have a permanent disability
• Have additional education related expenses resulting from your disability that are not covered by any other agency

The bursary may be used to pay for items such as specialized equipment, psychoeducational assessments or special tutoring, but may not be used to pay for tuition, books or lease of a laptop where this is a regular requirement of the program.

In order to access the bursary you will need to: 

• Determine eligibility for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities by applying through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Apply online
• Apply for the BSWD through the Office for Students with Disabilities, if you are eligible for OSAP
• Meet with your Disability Services Advisor/Counselor as the BSWD application is processed in conjunction with this person

If it is determined that you are not eligible for OSAP, then the Accessible Learning Services Advisor/Counselor will work with you to assess the costs of special services and/or any equipment that you might require. The Advisor/Counselor will then contact the Financial Aid Office to establish whether these costs will alter your eligibility for the BSWD.

Note: You do not need to accept a student loan, but you must be deemed eligible to receive one. The bursary is not a loan and does not need to be repaid, but it is considered as taxable income and you must provide receipts for the items or services you purchase with BSWD funds.
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See Financial Aid for further information regarding financial assistance available to all Sheridan Students.