WVXU: Federal funds for higher education are now available to Ohioans with disabilities

A new state grant will provide financial assistance to college degree programs, but not TAP

Katie Norland, director, Transition and Access Program at the University of Cincinnati, was a featured guest on WVXU’s Cincinnati Edition.

The topic of discussion was a state grant, approved by Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine, to invest $2.1 million in assistance for students with disabilities. According to the interview, eligible Ohio students registered through the state agency Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities can get up to $7,000 in funds that they can use toward college tuition and other accessibility expenses. The grant includes students with disabilities participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools, and credentialing programs.

However, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Transition and Access Program (TAP) and other inclusive postsecondary education programs in Ohio are not eligible for these funds. According to TAP administrators, OOD officials are saying that TAP, an inclusive postsecondary education program, is not industry-recognized credentialling or degree-seeking programs so for that reason, not eligible for the funding.

Listen to the interview. 

Featured photo at top by iStock/FG Trade

Impact Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here. 

Related Stories

2

Who is using nicotine pouches?

October 28, 2026

A University of Cincinnati study found that nicotine pouch use increased sharply among U.S. adult tobacco users between 2021 and 2024. Using national YouGov survey data, researchers reported that “ever use” rose from 16.4% to 31.1%, while current use increased from 3% to 10.2%.

3

School of Information Technology celebrates 15 years with CECH

October 27, 2026

A history of how University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology came to be a part of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services featuring interviews with director Hazem Said, former dean Larry Johnson, current dean Lisa Huffman, and alums of the school's programs.