Congresswoman Doris Matsui made an appearance at Sacramento State Monday to announce a $250,000 grant that will go towards students with disabilities.

The grant is part of a budget resolution from the U.S. House and Senate which was given to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators passed on March 18.

The money will go to the Trio Student Support Services Program, part of Services to Students with Disabilities, which gives academic support to low-income and disabled students.Money allocated from the grant would ensure new positions for tutors and counselors crucial to the advancement of education for disabled students.

Patricia Sonntag, director for Services to Students with Disabilities, is very pleased with Matsui’s interest in Trio’s progress.

“This is the first time someone from Congress has taken time to come out,” Sonntag said. “To actually come here and talk to us is a godsend.”

Sonntag said she wouldn’t be able to operate her organization if it weren’t for the help of representatives like Matsui.

“We would have to downsize,” Sonntag said.

Matsui then opened the floor to some Q-and-A from students in an effort to better understand where students were coming from.

Many students took this opportunity to discuss their backgrounds and how the money would impact their given situations.

One of the students included Margaret Scheffelin, a 76-year-old computer science major at Sac State. Scheffelin, a polio survivor who would benefit from the help of the grant, had plenty to say about her struggle and perseverance through disability.

“If I were to lose the opportunities that Congresswoman Matsui has made possible for me and others like me, and not be able to complete the science degree, the results would be devastating,” Scheffelin said.

Scheffelin was one of the many students attending the conference who had a voice about the way money would affect her, she also had no qualms with telling it all to everyone listening. “If students lost the opportunities, it would be a loss for all,” Scheffelin said.

She went on to say that most students with disabilities have just as much knowledge of their given fields as the average student, and the only thing hindering them from advancement was the minor obstacle that their handicaps gave them.

The battle will still continue to ensure that money stays available for such groups who rely on funding to continue their work.

“We’re very vulnerable,” Sonntag said. “We need to unite in our solidarity.”

Josh Staab can be reached at [email protected]