Scholarship Opportunities

Welcome to the scholarship directory at Disability Support Services. Listed below are external scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities. These scholarships are awarded based on varying criteria, therefore students are encouraged to research each scholarship opportunity to determine their eligibility.

Scholarship information is sorted by disability type:

Visual Impairment

American Council of the Blind
Full-time, legally blind students enrolled in post-secondary, academic or vocational training program are encourage to apply
Application: Online or mail-in
Deadline: 2/28

American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) sponsors multiple scholarships for students who are legally blind, many of which are designated for specific fields of study
Award: up to $2,500.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 04/30

Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation (AER) offers two (2) scholarships for students who are blind and are studying for a career in service provision to the blind and visually impaired. Candidates must be legally blind with 20/200 or less visual acuity
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 4/15 of even numbered years (i.e. 2010, 2012, 2014)

Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program
The Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) offers college scholarships to legally blind students. Scholarship funds may be applied to tuition, living expenses, or related expenses resulting from blindness
Award: up to $2,000.00
Application: e-mail or mail-in
Deadline: 04/15

Blinded Veterans Association
Scholarships are award to the spouses and dependent children of blinded veterans, and are merit based
Award: $2,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/15

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International - Fred Scheigert Scholarship
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) offers scholarships for three (3), full-time college students with low vision
Award: up to $3,000.00
Application: Mail-in or online
Deadline: 03/01

Christian Record Services for the Blind
Partial scholarships available to legally blind, full-time undergraduate students
Award: up to $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/10

Lighthouse International - Scholarship and Career Center
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who are legally blind. Students must be US citizens and registered with their state's Commission for the Blind
Award: $5,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 03/14

National Federation of the Blind
Applicants for scholarship through the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) must be legally blind in both eyes and must be pursing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study
Award: up to $12,000.00
Application: e-mail, mail-in
Deadline: 03/31

RFB&D Mary Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award
RFB&D awards six (6) scholarships to college seniors in recognition of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise, and service to others. Students must be legally blind, have been registered as an RFB&D member for at least one year, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Award: up to $6,000
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/31

United States Association for Blind Athletes
Legally blind individuals who have participated in USABA sports programs and have been current USABA members for the past two years in any field of study and at any accredited institution are encouraged to apply. Selection is based on demonstrated academic record, involvement in extracurricular/civic activities, academic goals and objectives, and USABA involvement at various levels
Award: up to $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 08/15

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
AG Bell sponsors multiple scholarships for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Eligibility requirements are detailed on the AG Bell website
Award: up to $10,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 03/01 (application available in January)

Annual Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired
The intent and purposes of the trust are the giving of financial aid or assistance to US Residents who are deaf and hard of hearing who may benefit from medical, mechanical or specialized treatment or special education. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need. Eligibility based on amount of hearing loss and need and dollars available for the trust for the year; also covers for education, interpreters, cochlear implants, assistive devices
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/01

Graduate Fellowship Fund
Fellowships are intended for deaf or hard of hearing students seeking a graduate degree on a full-time basis. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited graduate program, and preference will be given to those seeking a doctoral degree
Award: Variable
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 4/20

National Association of the Deaf
The Stokoe Scholarship supported by the National Association of the Deaf is limited to deaf students in have graduated from a four-year college program and are pursing part- or full-time graduate studies in a field related to sign language, the deaf community, or who are developing a special project on one of these topics.
Award: $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in

Sertoma
Sertoma offers scholarships to full-time undergraduate students that have clinically significant hearing loss. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria cited on Sertoma's website
Award: $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 3/30

Physical and Medical

1800Wheelchair.com Scholarship
Undergraduate students who use wheelchairs and are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply
Award: $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 06/01

AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship
The AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship is a scholarship for full time college students who use either manual or electric wheelchairs.
Award: $1,000
Application: Online
Deadline: 06/06

Boomer Esiason Foundation
For every sack recorded during NFL Monday Night Football games, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. donates $1000 to the Boomer Esiason Foundation Scholarship Program. "Sacks for CF" funds are awarded to 30 college students based on their academic achievements and adherence to daily Cystic Fibrosis therapy
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 01/15

ChairScholars Foundation National Scholarship
ChairScholars offers fifteen (15) to twenty (20) scholarships to first-year undergraduates with significant "physical challenges." Students must have verifiable unmet financial need, maintain at least a B average, and show a history of community service or social contribution
Award: up to $5,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 02/15

Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation
Scholarships are awarded based on educational achievement, leadership, and financial need
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/21

Elizabeth Nash Foundation
The Elizabeth Nash Foundation (ENF) awards scholarships to assist undergraduate and graduate students with Cystic Fibrosis. Students must be US citizens and must meet eligibility criteria cited on ENF website
Award: up to $2,500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/05

Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
The Family Epilepsy Scholarship program provides financial support to people living with epilepsy and to the family members/caregivers who contribute to their success. The program awards thirty (30) scholarships to people living with epilepsy and their family members, based on academic and personal achievement
Award: $5,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 06/01

Family RA Scholarship Program
The Family RA Scholarship Program will offer thirty (30) one-time scholarships to students diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree
Award: up to $10,000.00
Application: Mail-in

Forward Face
Forward Face offers three (3) scholarships annually for students with craniofacial conditions. Awards are paid directly to the student's college or university
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: Variable

Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship
Applicants must be between 17-30 years of age and have hydrocephalus. Scholarship funds must be used for tuition, books, housing, or an expense directly related to the education experience.
Award: $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/01

Immune Deficiency Foundation Eric Marder Scholarship
Undergraduate students with a primary immunodeficiency disease are encouraged to apply
Award: up to $2,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/31

La Kelley Communications Inc.
La Kelley offers multiple scholarships for students with bleeding disorders
Award: up to $7,000.00
Application: Varies based on individual scholarship
Deadline: Varies based on individual scholarship

Little People of America
Little People of America (LPA) offers multiple types of grants and scholarships for students who have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Contact LPA chapter president, district director or national officer

National Amputation Foundation
The National Amputation Foundation offers six (6) scholarships to full-time college students with major limb amputation
Award: up to $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 08/31

National Amputee Golf Association Educational Scholarship
The primary purpose of this grant is to assist an amputee member or their dependent in the payment of tuition and fees while pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college. If an individual is selected, the grant will be issued each year for a maximum of four (4) years or until graduation, whichever occurs first
Award: up to $2,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 09/01

Jackson-Stricks Scholarship
The Jackson-Stricks Scholarship provides financial aid to a physically challenged person for academic study that leads to independent living.
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/16

National Hemophilia Foundation - Kevin Child Scholarship
Undergraduates with Hemophilia are encouraged to apply. Candidates are chosen on the basis of academic performance, participation in school or community activities, and educational/career goals.
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 06/01

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Applicants must have MS or have a parent who has MS, and are attending an accredited postsecondary school for the first time. Student must be a US citizen, and must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester
Award: up to $3,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 01/15

Patient Advocate Foundation Scholarship for Survivors
The Patient Advocate Foundation Scholarship is designed to provide support to individuals, under the age of 25, that are or have been diagnosed with cancer or a critical or life threatening disease. The foundation awards ten (10) awards each year that can be used for college tuition fees
Award: up to $3,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/12

Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship
College students with epilepsy are encouraged to apply.
Award: up to $2,000.00
Application: Online registration; mail-in
Deadline: 06/15

Spina Bifida Association
Applicant must have Spina Bifida. A physician's statement of disability is required, and must be submitted on letterhead stationary of the hospital/clinic/office. Applicant must be an applicant of, enrolled in, or accepted by a four-year university, junior college, approved trade, vocational, or business school.
Award: up to $2,000.00
Application: e-mail or mail-in
Deadline: 03/03

SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship Program
Annual program will provide one scholarship and is open to students who are manual or power wheelchair users enrolled at an accredited 4-year institution.
Award: $500
Application: Mail-In
Deadline: 08/01

USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships
USA Funds awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students with economic need. Fifty percent of the scholarship awards are targeted to applicants with a documented physical disability.
Awards: up to $1,500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 02/15

Developmental and Psychological

Autism Society of America - Martin Scholarship
For individuals with autism in any field of study. Selection will be based on school transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/31

Eli Lilly and Company Reintegration Scholarship
Undergraduate and graduate students with bipolar, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be currently receiving treatment and involved in rehabilitative or re-integration efforts
Award: up to $5,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 01/24

Learning

Transition and Communication Consortium on Learning & Disabilities - Hal Hazelett Scholarship
The Transition and Communication Consortium on Learning and Disabilities (TACCLD) awards two (2) scholarships for students with Learning Disabilities and/or AD/HD. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, or supplies
Award: $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 01/14

General

AMBUCS Scholarship Program
Applicants must be accepted into an accredited physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology or hearing audiology program. Awards are based on financial need, US citizenship, commitment to local community, demonstrated academic accomplishment, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives
Award: up to $3,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 04/15

American Association on Health and Disability
Full time undergraduate and graduate students with a disability are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to students focusing in a field related to disability or health promotion
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: e-mail
Deadline: 11/15

American Speech Language Hearing Foundation Scholarships
The American Speech Language Hearing Foundation (ASHF) offers several scholarship and grant competitions to graduate students in the field of communication sciences and disorders. Up to ten (10) Graduate Student Scholarships are available for master's or doctoral level students studying audiology or speech language pathology. Of the ten (10) scholarships, one gives priority to a student with a disability
Award: up to $4,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 06/01

Disabledperson, Inc. National Scholarship
Full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a "physical or mental" disability are encouraged to apply
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 03/01

ExceptionalNurse.com College Scholarship Awards
ExceptionalNurse.com offers several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate nursing students with disabilities.
Award: up to $500.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 06/01

Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc.
The Student Award Program through the Foundation for Science and Disability (FSD) provides funding to fourth year undergraduates (who have been accepted to a graduate or professional school in the sciences) and graduate science students with a disability. Awards are given for an assistive device or for some other special need.
Award: $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: Varies by year

Google Lime Scholarship
Full-time third- and fourth-year undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a Computer Science or Computer Engineering program are encouraged to apply. Open to students with all types of disabilities
Award: up to $10,000.00
Application: Online
Deadline: 12/15

Incight Education Scholarship
Full-time students with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, sensory, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 04/01

Judith Cary Leadership Memorial Scholarship
Applicants must be full-time or part-time students working toward special needs certification or an undergraduate or graduate degree in some field of Special Education.
Award: up to $1,000.00
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/31

Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship for Student Filmmakers
The Loreen Arubus Focus on Disability Scholarship was created to recognize student filmmakers who: shed light on people with disabilities, the nation's largest minority group; help emerging artists within this community gain recognition; and increase visibility for artists with disabilities This award will be given to a student writer, student producer or student director who is disabled, to a student producer whose piece focuses on people with disabilities, or to a student piece that features a person with a disability as one of the main characters
Award: $10,000.00
Application: Online

Mays Mission for the Handicapped, Inc.
Undergraduate students with a "physical or mental" disability are encouraged to apply. Applicants must consistently meet academic eligibility requirements.
Application: Online or Mail-in
Deadline: 06/30

Through the Looking Glass Scholarship
Ten scholarships are available to high school seniors or college students who have a parent with a disability. The scholarships are based on the following criteria: Academic performance, community activities and service, letter of recommendation and an essay describing the experience of growing up with a parent with a disability.
Application: Mail-in
Deadline: 03/01