Next Steps

• The U.S. Department of Education’s Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education has some excellent information on your rights as you leave high school and begin postsecondary education.
• Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) answers Frequently Asked Questions and lists additional resources for people with disabilities.
• BestColleges.com has information about legal rights for students with disabilities.
• ADA.gov gives an Introduction to the American With Disabilities Act and a detailed Guide to Disability Rights Laws with an overview of all Federal civil rights laws for people with disabilities.

• The National Center for College Students with Disabilities provides information and resources about disability and postsecondary education of all types.
• Think College has important information for students, families, and professionals about how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can succeed in higher education.

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main form you need to complete in order to get financial aid for postsecondary education.
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Financial Aid Resource Publications are manuals in English and Spanish that explain precisely how to apply for financial aid and what different types of financial aid you can get.

To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation services, visit a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office.

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Learn more on DB101's page about Ticket to Work in Iowa.

A trained Benefits Planner can help you understand your benefits programs. Exactly who you need to contact depends on your situation and the benefits you get.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.