For students with disabilities, pursuing higher education can come with unique challenges, both financially and logistically. Thankfully, there are various scholarships designed specifically to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 scholarships for students with disabilities, each offering different eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application processes.
Top 10 Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
1. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies (up to $12,000)
Eligibility: Open to blind students in the U.S. who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Applicants must be legally blind, demonstrate academic excellence, and be involved in extracurricular activities.
About the Scholarship: The NFB offers several scholarships to students who are blind or visually impaired. Awards range from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the student’s level of study and qualifications. NFB also provides additional resources for blind students to help them succeed academically.
2. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Scholarships
Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
Eligibility: For students with visual impairments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.
About the Scholarship: The AFB provides various scholarships for students with vision loss. The foundation focuses on supporting students who demonstrate both academic achievement and a commitment to their future careers. Some scholarships also have additional specific criteria, such as pursuing a career in the field of rehabilitation for the blind.
3. The College Fund for Students with Disabilities (Disabled Students’ Fund)
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Open to students with any form of documented disability, whether physical, emotional, or learning-related. Must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution.
About the Scholarship: This fund was designed to offer financial assistance to disabled students who show promise but require financial aid to continue their education. The fund is typically administered by different educational institutions and may have varying application processes.
4. The Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships
Award Amount: $10,000 (one-time award)
Eligibility: High school seniors with documented learning disabilities, including ADHD, and plans to attend college. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
About the Scholarship: Funded by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), this scholarship is specifically aimed at students with learning disabilities. The award is split into two payments: one for tuition and one for other educational expenses. The Anne Ford Scholarship is available for undergraduate students, while the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is for students with more severe learning challenges.
5. The P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Students with learning disabilities or hearing impairments. High school seniors and undergraduates are eligible to apply.
About the Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students with documented learning disabilities who show exceptional promise in their academic pursuits. Preference is given to students majoring in art education, but all students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
6. The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: For students with a disability who are pursuing a career related to health and disability. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
About the Scholarship: The AAHD offers scholarships to students with disabilities pursuing careers in fields such as healthcare, disability advocacy, and related fields. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to promoting health and wellness in their communities, as well as academic and extracurricular excellence.
7. The Michael Yasick ADHD Scholarship by Shire
Award Amount: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: U.S. students with a documented diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.
About the Scholarship: Shire Pharmaceuticals offers this scholarship to help students with ADHD pursue higher education. In addition to the monetary award, recipients are given access to a variety of resources designed to help them succeed academically. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and personal commitment to their educational goals.
8. The Disability Scholarships from the Lime Connect Foundation
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities, including physical and neurological disabilities. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution.
About the Scholarship: Lime Connect is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and career services for students with disabilities pursuing careers in business, technology, and engineering. The organization partners with various corporations to provide mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities to students.
9. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Open to U.S. veterans with disabilities, or dependents of disabled veterans, pursuing higher education. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution.
About the Scholarship: The DAV Scholarship assists veterans and their families by offering financial support for education. The scholarship is specifically designed for those with service-connected disabilities and who are actively pursuing higher education.
10. The Toyota Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Students with physical disabilities who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
About the Scholarship: Offered by Toyota, this scholarship supports students with physical disabilities who are pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, business, or technology. The scholarship is renewable and offers recipients access to internships and career opportunities at Toyota.
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FAQs
Who qualifies for disability scholarships?
Disability scholarships are generally available to students with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to visual impairments, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and neurological disorders. Specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship, so applicants should carefully read the requirements before applying.
Do I need to provide documentation of my disability?
Yes, most disability scholarships require applicants to submit medical or psychological documentation verifying their disability. This could include records from a healthcare provider, educational testing, or other relevant documentation that confirms the disability.
Are these scholarships only for U.S. citizens?
Many scholarships are designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but there are also international opportunities for students with disabilities. Always check the eligibility criteria for each specific scholarship to see if non-citizens can apply.
Can students with disabilities apply for general scholarships?
Yes, students with disabilities can and should apply for general scholarships as well. In many cases, they can apply for scholarships that are open to all students, in addition to those specifically designed for students with disabilities. Many scholarships do not have disability restrictions.
How can I find more scholarships for students with disabilities?
In addition to the scholarships listed above, students with disabilities can find additional opportunities through disability organizations, their schools’ financial aid offices, and scholarship search engines. Websites like Scholarships.com, Cappex, and Niche allow you to filter opportunities by specific criteria, including disabilities.
Conclusion
There are numerous scholarships available to help students with disabilities achieve their educational goals. By taking advantage of these resources, students can gain the financial support they need to succeed in higher education. Remember to carefully review eligibility criteria, prepare necessary documentation, and meet deadlines to maximize your chances of securing a scholarship.