United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

This is an open message to Nancy Birk. I've lost your email address but wanted to thank you publicly for some info you gave me over 2 years ago. At that point my daughter (Sarah LOBPI), who is now 19 and in her 2nd year of college, was about to graduate from high school. I emailed Nancy to inquire about scholarships for children w/BPI. Nancy told me at that point there weren't any but mentioned that every state is given Federal money to help those w/disabilities including pursuing an education. Well after some digging I found the agency for New York State and we set up a meeting for Sarah. We immediately qualified but the only assistance we could get was a tutor in college, if Sarah needed it. We did not meet economic need for any financial assistance. This year when our case was reviewed again we did meet economic need. Sarah is now getting financial help with tuition, books, a "living expense", and a chair and special keyboard shelf to assist with all the required computer use. We/she still has some debt to incur but any bit helps. So Nancy, I hope you read this or someone passes it on to you, THANK YOU for your guidance. In 19 years this is the first help we have ever received for Sarah. I will admit she is mild case of BPI but she still has limitations and as she gets older we find discomfort from time to time. To anyone else, never give up, keep trying. Some times it pays off. Thanks again Nancy!!!

You are most welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that Sarah got the funding. And it is nice of you to let us all know as this is something that others may be dealing with.

Vocational Rehabilitation funds are available in every state. Usually the criteria for funding states that an individual must have a physical or mental disability that significantly affects their ability to train for, get and keep a job. Like Social Security Disability decisions, the decisions about this are made at the state level and states have differing criteria, some require financial need, others do not.

In Ohio, where I live and where I received funding that paid for my full tuition, fees, and books to any state university for all 4 years of college, it is operated through the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Every state has a similar agency but with some variation on that name. Guidance counselors at the high schools should have information about how to contact the agency in your state, for anyone who is also at this point in their or their child's lives.

Again I am so happy for Sarah. Thanks for posting Sue!

Nancy