In most cases, applicants will need to have a documented disability as an eligibility requirement to receive a disability scholarship. It’s important to note that there are many disability scholarship opportunities. Different groups offer these scholarships based on varying criteria.
Applicants may have chances to apply for one or more of these scholarships before they receive a diagnosis. Still, an applicant will generally need proof of a disability before they can find scholarships, financial aid for students with disabilities, or anything like free college tuition for disabled students.
The nature of the disability will play a strong role in what kind of scholarships, grants, or financial aid for students with disabilities is available. Some scholarship or grant providers do offer free college tuition for disabled students, while some others may only offer help in different ways.
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1800wheelchair.com Scholarship
The 1800wheelchair scholarship is given to students who use wheelchairs, scooters, and powerchairs for mobility. Students who win the award are asked to work through their mobility obstacles, find areas on campus where mobility may be an issue, and explore what types of conveniences are available to them on campus. Students must meet a general list of eligibility requirements that must be completed before a scholarship is given. There are two $500 disability scholarships awarded each year. The deadline for submission is May 30.
1800wheelchair was founded in 1997, with the goal of providing mobility options to individuals who needed assistance. The company not only offers a full line of wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters, they also offer expert advice and professional service on every level. The company offers scholarships to students with disabilities as a way of giving back to those they are working so hard to help.
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AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship is available to undergraduate/graduate students who are at the sophomore level or above. They must be enrolled in studies associated directly associated with disabilities and healthcare. They must also be attending an accredited university. Students who have a strong record that includes community service or volunteering will get special consideration. Applicants must also be living in or residents of the United States. Each disability scholarship is limited to $1000 with the deadline to submit an application being November 15. Scholarships will be awarded in January of the following year.
The American Association on Health and Disability strives to advocate for individuals who are disabled at all levels of society from local to national levels. The goal is to minimize the obstacles and restrictions that individuals with disabilities experience on a regular basis. The organization relies on advocacy, research, and education to achieve its goals. The scholarship is named after Frederick J. Krause who dedicated his life to serving individuals with disabilities. Over the years, Krause worked with numerous agencies and associations who were dedicated to advocating or assisting individuals with disabilities.
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AbbVie Immunology Scholarship
The AbbVie Immunology Scholarship was created to provide scholarships for students with disabilities who are dealing with one or more inflammatory diseases. Students who have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other types of inflammatory disease are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. By providing this scholarship to students with these disabilities, the ultimate goal is to allow them more opportunities to become active and productive members of society. The scholarship is for $15,000 and submissions must be received before the December 5th deadline.
Abbvie is a company comprised of communicators, researchers, and specialists within the manufacturing industry who work together to create innovative products to help individuals who have been diagnosed with various types of disabilities, chronic health conditions, and life-threatening illnesses. By offering these disability scholarships, Abbvie is doing what they can to assist students with disabilities get the education they deserve.
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American Council of the Blind Scholarship
The American Council of the Blind Scholarship is now a joint effort between the Council of the American Foundation for the Blind and the Council of the Blind. Scholarships are offered to help students in post-secondary programs cover various financial needs. This includes fees, tuition, the cost of room and board, as well as other costs they may incur during the process of getting their education. Students must be legally blind, attend school full time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0. They must also be active within their community. Scholarships range in amount from $2,000 to $7,500. The deadline to submit an application is February 15th.
The American Council of the Blind is made up of over 70 chapters (state). In conjunction with several affiliate groups, they work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired to assist them in finding opportunities within their communities. The ultimate goal is to nurture a culture in which peer support, direct action, acceptance, and diversity are commonplace.
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American Foundation for the Blind
The disability scholarship offered by the American Foundation for the Blind is a joint effort with the American Council of the Blind. The two groups came together to create a scholarship for students with disabilities who were enrolling in school at the freshmen level of higher. The disability scholarship is designed to assist with post-secondary educational costs that include room and board, general fees, and tuition. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the student must attend class full time, carry a 3.0 GPA, and work 32 hours or more each week. They should also be involved in community or school activities.
The ultimate goal of the American Council of the Blind is to reduce the limitations that are placed on individuals who are legally blind or who are visually impaired in some way. The organization strives to provide opportunities to those who are disabled while promoting understanding and mobilizing leaders who can make a positive change when it comes to improving the best practices for dealing with research and creating new policies.
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American Speech Language Hearing Foundation
The disability scholarship offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation is for graduate students only and is intended to be given to a student with a Student With a Disability Scholarship pathway. Students must be enrolled full time and pursuing either a Master’s degree or a doctorate. Candidates in both the research and clinical programs are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. There are 15 general graduate scholarships valued at $5,000 each and nine scholarships that will be awarded for special purposes. These are also worth $5,000 each.
The scholarships for students with disabilities that are awarded by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation are provided to students who are currently attending school in a graduate degree program. The program must be directly related to communication sciences and disorders. The funds provided must be used to pay for education-related expenses such as tuition, equipment, room and board, etc.
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Boomer Esiason Foundation’s General Academic Scholarships
The Boomer Esiason Foundation General Academic Scholarships are for students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or who have parents with the disease. The disability scholarships/grants are given out four times a year. Applicants must demonstrate both need and accomplishment in academic studies. The grants are provided directly to the student’s chosen school and are used to cover their room and board. The student’s overall character, community service, scholastic achievement, and potential as a leader are all considered in the decision to award the scholarship. The amount of the scholarship is $5,000. There are several deadlines throughout the year based on what time the student applies.
The Boomer Esiason Foundation is dedicated to assisting individuals and their families who have been affected by cystic fibrosis to get the education they need to pursue their chosen careers. The group offers scholarships to students with disabilities who are pursuing advanced educational degrees in research and development of various programs and treatment options associated with cystic fibrosis.
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C.A.R.E.S. Scholarship
The C.A.R.E.S. (Cultural and Recreational Enrichment Scholarship) Program is offered by the Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation. The scholarship program strives to offer students with hemophilia opportunities to continue their education and participate in cultural and recreational activities. It is hoped that through the use of these disability scholarships, the student will find renewed self-esteem and the physical, mental, and emotional development they need to have the highest possible quality of life. Four $500 scholarships are awarded each year to students who either have hemophilia or are the immediate family member of someone with the disease. Deadlines are January 15 and July 15.
The C.A.R.E.S. Program was originally funded by Cathy Cieslak of Louisville, Kentucky. She decided to start the program to help other students like her son who had been diagnosed with hemophilia. The ultimate goal was to provide cultural and recreational opportunities for students who were dealing with hemophilia. Cathy continues to work diligently with the Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation to provide these scholarships for students with disabilities.
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Council of Citizens with Low Vision International - The Fred Scheigert Scholarship
The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program is offered by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. It awards three competitive scholarships each year to students who have been diagnosed with low vision and are attending school full time. Students must meet the visual acuity required to be considered. They must also meet the academic guidelines. If selected as a finalist, the student will be interviewed over the phone and notified of their acceptance the following spring. Each disability scholarship is worth $3,000. The deadline for filing is March 15th. The earliest date for submission is January 1st.
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision acts as an advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with low vision. Its goal is to provide individuals with the technology, resources, and services they need to make the most of what vision they have. It also gives individuals diagnosed with low vision an opportunity for their voices to be heard in terms of what opportunities are being made available to them.
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Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation offers disability scholarships for students who are preparing to graduate high school as well as for students who are already enrolled in college/university classes. Scholarship awards are based on financial need, leadership capabilities, and overall academic achievement. Students must be able to enroll in at least 9 credit hours each semester to qualify. The scholarship can be used for books, room and board, and tuition. All awards are paid directly to the student’s school of choice. The Foundation offers single year scholarships as well as multiple-year scholarships for students with disabilities. Most scholarships are worth $1,000. The deadline to submit an application is March 27.
Established in 1999, the Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation works to provide financial assistance for students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. By offering these disability scholarships, the hope is to provide students with an opportunity to continue their education and reach the personal goals they have set for themselves.
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Disability Care Center - Disabled Student Scholarship
The Disabled Student Scholarship was established to provide students who have been diagnosed with a health condition that makes it difficult to attend school. These debilitating conditions can be either mental or physical in nature. The condition must be severe enough to disrupt their day to day activities and have an impact on their quality of life. In addition to the written essay and other eligibility requirements, the student will have to submit a letter from their physician detailing their disability and its limitations. Nine credit hours are required for students pursuing a Masters’ degree or higher. Disability scholarship amounts are $500. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is August 1st.
The Disability Care Center is part of the Social Security Administration and offers scholarship opportunities to students who have been diagnosed with a disability or are pursuing a degree in the field of special education. All of the eligibility requirements for scholarships for students with disabilities must be met in order to be considered.
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Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship
The Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship provides scholarships for students with disabilities, primarily those who have been diagnosed with spina bifida or hydrocephalus. The goal is to encourage students with these two conditions to pursue their education and become independent and productive adults who are responsible for their own future. The disability scholarships can be used at any technical/trade school or accredited college/university. Career institutes and schools of business are also acceptable. The number of scholarships and their overall amounts will change from year to year. Scholarships are for one year only. The deadline to submit an application is April 30.
Hydrocephalus Canada is an organization dedicated to helping individuals with hydrocephalus and spina bifida have as normal a life as possible. Increasing awareness and improving the quality of life of individuals with these two disorders is of the utmost importance. By providing these scholarships for students with disabilities, Hydrocephalus Canada hopes to provide opportunities to students who wish to pursue their education and make a better life for themselves and their families.
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DREAM Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship
Dream Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship provides financial awards to Oklahoma residents in high school that have a learning or physical disability. The scholarship is for in-state colleges and universities and can be applied to tuition, dorms, fees, books and supplies, or tutoring if the student requires assistance for full-time enrollment. Eligibility for the disability scholarships is reviewed annually. Students that qualify are required to take an orientation provided by HEAP/DREAM Institute Scholarship Fund. Students learn valuable skills with note taking, goals, scholastic expectations, career and personality assessments, and techniques to transition from high school to post-secondary school.
The DREAM Institute is a non-profit 501c3 and any donations are tax deductible.The were awarded The Standards of Excellence by the Oklahoma Center for Non Profits. In addition to scholarships, DREAM provides services and mentorship to students with physical or learning disabilities.
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Elaine Chapin Fund
The Elaine Chapin Fund (MS) provides financial support for post-secondary education of St. Louis students affected by multiple sclerosis. This may be either directly or as a family member of someone with MS. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours and live within a 125-mile radius of the office with proof of residency. Students must turn in an essay and 2 letters of reference for consideration. Applications open November 1.
The Elaine Chapin Fund was started in honor of Elaine’s long battle with MS that ended November 1, 2008. She was a loving and caring mother that remained positive till the end. The day that her son graduated from college was one of her proudest moments a few months before she passed away.
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FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund
The FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund is for students that are in their fourth year of undergraduate study. Students must be searching for scholarships for students with disabilities that extends to their graduate study project or thesis in the science field. Students pursuing Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Computer Science, or Engineering qualify. Students must write a 250 word essay describing what the grant will be used for. Two letters of recommendation are required. One of the letters should be from their academic research advisor.
The Foundation for Science and Disability (FSD) is a part of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. The non-profit organization was started in 1975 to promote integration of students with disabilities pursuing graduate degrees and careers in science. The goal of the FSD is to remove barriers that may otherwise hinder the success of these students.
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Guthrie-Koch Scholarship
The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship is one of the few scholarships for students with disabilities related to PKU diagnosis and a follow a low protein PKU diet. Any student that is enrolled in a post-secondary college or a freshman, sophomore, or junior is considered eligible for the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship. Applications open mid October and no certain GPA is required. Students may be from any part of the world, but they must write their application in English.
The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Robert Guthrie upon his death in June 1995. Guthrie worked 30 years in newborn screening for PKU, preventing more than 20,000 children from mental retardation that is caused by untreated PKU. Dr. Richard Koch was a long-time colleague of Guthrie and died in September 2011. Both are honored in this scholarship to their decades of dedication to PKU testing and treatment.
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Incight
INCIGHT Scholarship has provided more than 850 scholarships for students with disabilities since 2004. Students may be enrolled in any post-secondary institution or graduate school to be eligible. Disabilities qualify as anything covered under ADA including 504s and IEPs. A new requirement since 2019 is that students must permanently reside in Washington, California, or Oregon. Students will receive notice of confirmation or award by June. Financial need is not a factor in selection. Academics are not a deciding factor in the process, rather community involvement and motivation to attend higher education. Funds are sent bi-annually directly to the school’s financial aid office. All INCIGHT Scholars are required to complete 30 hours of community service or volunteer at one INCIGHT event.
INCIGHT is a non-profit 501c3 corporation formed in 2004 that provides life skills and academic support to people with disabilities in California, Washington, and Oregon. They provide a variety of resources including financial, housing, transitional life skills, entrepreneurship, and coaching.
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John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth from LEP Foundation offers disability scholarships to anyone with a disability living in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. The first requirement is a desire to continue their education to a post-secondary institution. Physical or psychological conditions are given consideration to scholarship recipients who provided proof of their disability with a note from a physician. Students must provide proof of residency and official documentation of attendance in a vocational school, college or university for the upcoming year. A one-page essay is required to show the nature of your condition and how the scholar or their family has been financially challenged due to their disability. Three letters of recommendation and official school transcripts are required. Only award recipients will be notified due to the high volume of applicants.
The LEP Foundation created the John Lepping scholarship to honor disabled students because John Lepping was extremely proud of the determination it took for some disabled students to overcome their setbacks. Lepping understood that resources could be in short supply due to overwhelming medical costs. The LEP Foundation also provides scholarships for students diagnosed with cancer.
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Karman Healthcare Mobility Scholarship
The Karman Healthcare Mobility Disability Scholarship for students with disabilities related to mobility that use a mobility device. Scholars must excel academically and have a high regard for disability awareness in America.Every year applicants are asked to write an essay on a chosen theme. The theme for 2020 is to pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development. Students must be 16 years old and enrolled in an accredited university or college in the US. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Applicants must provide an image of themselves and a doctor’s note that offers proof of a mobile disability that requires use of a daily mobility device. Winners will be contacted by phone or email. Funds will be managed directly through the scholar’s financial aid office and Karman Healthcare.
Karman Healthcare is a manufacturer of mobility devices, including all types of wheelchairs. They are based out of California and have a network of dealers and distributors in over 22 countries.
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Landmark College - Vocational Rehabilitation Grants
Landmark College — Vocational Rehabilitation Grants are packaged financial aid opportunities for disability scholarships based upon need. The college participates in private and federal grant programs. An application to Landmark college should include a $75 application fee, transcripts, and a diagnosis of a learning disability, ADHD, or autism as determined by a professional. If there is not an official diagnosis, applicants may write an essay or provide psycho-educational evaluation within the past 3 years of applying. Students must complete a personal interview with at least one counselor’s or instructor’s recommendation.
Landmark College was first formed in 1985 as a college for students with dyslexia but now they offer higher learning to a neurodiverse population. The college is based out of Putney, Vermont. Landmark College is known for a generous award policy to attend their school. If a student has outside resources, they must report them to Landmark College. This could affect their financial aid package or reduce portions of the Landmark College institutional scholarship.
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Lime Connect - BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship
The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship from Lime Connect is designed specifically to help students interested in a career in Financial Services. BMO Capital markets provides scholarships to students with disabilities with the purpose to support a diverse workforce.The scholarship is open to current undergraduates or graduate students interested in business/commerce school, computer science, engineering, physics, math, statistics or any related major. Students must have a 40% course load to qualify. Students must apply with a current CV or resume, letter of reference from a teacher, advisor, or manager, and current transcripts.
BMO Capital Markets is a non-profit 501c3 with a foundation that is backed by major corporation’s donations such as Google and major banking and financial institutions. They have raised over $17.9M to over 3,000 students. Applicants to any of their scholarships are also eligible to apply to the BMO Capital Markets Summer Internship program.
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Lime Connect - Pathways Scholarship for HS Seniors
Lime Connect released disability scholarships for high school students in 2019 named Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors. The scholarship is available to US or Canadian residents applying to a four-year college. Students are allowed to say that they don’t know what college that they’re going to yet and update the application before decisions are made for reward. Scholarships are based on school grades and merits but financial need is also taken into consideration. An essay and resume must be provided upon application. Letter of reference must be provided and final verification of acceptance to a four-year institution is required before receiving the award mid to late July.
Lime Connect has a variety of scholarships and the Pathways Scholarship is funded from their annual Lime Connect Century Ride. Lime Connect is consistently offering new scholarships. If you don’t meet the requirements of one listed here, you can sign up to receive notifications of new scholarships that are up and coming.
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Lime Connect/Google-Lime Scholarship
Lime Connect/Google-Lime Scholarship is one of the Lime scholarships for students with disabilities in collaboration with Google. The purpose of the award is to provide assistance for STEM students with invisible disabilities. Recipients are chosen mid July and issued to winners by the end of August. Students that show academic strength and devotion to computer science are required to submit current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate school. Transcripts, resume, and current enrollment must be provided with an essay expressing the student’s passion for computer science. Letters of recommendation from an advisor, professor or supervisor are required and may be submitted as late as one week after the deadline. Scholarships are paid directly to the scholar.
Recipients of the Google Lime Scholarship are invited to the Google Scholars’ Retreat at Googleplex in Mountain View, CA. Google has proudly supported the Lime Connect scholarships since 2008 with scholarships and retreats for students with disabilities. Over 90% of students with disabilities are considered invisible disabilities such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder but not exclusive to those named.
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Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences
The Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences is offered to UC Boulder students searching for disability scholarships only. Students may be enrolled to attend, a current undergrad, or enrolled in graduate school. Students will receive special consideration if they are a resident of Colorado, have multiple sclerosis, and have declared an anthropology major–none of the former listed are requirements. Students are required to supply documentation of their disability. Incoming freshman will be notified of awards in early April. Continuing students are notified in mid April. Transfer students are notified in mid July. Graduate students may contact the school if needed. If no word is received by May, the student most likely did not receive an award.
The CU Boulder Scholarship Application is a revolutionary way to apply to over 500 scholarships in one general application at the university’s website. Prospective students should log in to the Admissions Application Status Page and apply for scholarships. Current students may apply through their Buff Portal.
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Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
The Microsoft disAbility Scholarship anchored through the Microsoft Global Diversity and Inclusion program offers disability scholarships for high school students exploring careers in the technology industry, including vocational and academic colleges. To be considered, students must live with a disability as defined by WHO. Students must demonstrate a financial need and have a GPA of 3.0. They must declare a major in engineering, law, business, or related fields. When students apply, they must include extracurricular activities, work experience, unofficial transcripts, three essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Microsoft’s disAbility Scholarship is a part of their Global Diversity and Inclusion program which is paid through the Seattle Foundation at the recipient’s Financial Aid Office. The main goal of Microsoft’s Global Diversity and Inclusion program is to decrease unemployment bias for underserved demographics. Students are notified at the end of April if they qualify.
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Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship of The American Sign Language Project
The Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship of The American Sign Language Project does not necessarily fall into the category of scholarships for students with disabilities. It is designed for students enrolled in full-time college with a proposal for noninvasive technology to improve communication between Deaf and hearing people. Students must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 during their scholarship period. US residency or citizenship is required. A 500-1000 word letter of recommendation from a teacher is required with a 3-5 page description of the student’s proposed project along with a 1-page personal statement.
The American Sign Language Project requires the application to be filled out fully. If the proposal is accepted, students will receive the first half at the Financial Aid Office of their college. The second half is received when the proposed project is complete. ASLP is looking for a new and innovative project that has never been suggested before and reserves the right to not distribute the scholarship if no applications meet requirements.
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Rheumatoid Patient Foundation Scholarship Program
Rheumatoid Patient Foundation Scholarship Program was created to provide disability scholarships for students or students with parents that have rheumatoid disease. They have offered $1,000 scholarships every year that are sponsored by various companies and supporters of RPF. The scholarship is designed for people already in a post-secondary school. Students must complete an essay with several prompts given when application time opens up.
RPF recognizes that patients with RD have changing needs, which may sometimes require a career change to accommodate their disability, especially due to loss of income and continual healthcare needs and hardship. The 2020 scholarships are sponsored by Crescendo Bioscience, which manages autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through molecule and blood testing.
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Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship awards disability scholarships to students over 18 years with Down syndrome. Students must be graduating from high school, have a high school diploma, or be in a post-secondary institution. Scholarships must be used within one academic year. Decisions for Spring applications are made in June and all applications are confirmed by email. Students must apply the scholarship toward the Fall semester. Students must reapply every year. Scholarship applications open in January for the Spring deadline.
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship was created for the sole interest of providing scholarships to students with Down syndrome. Enrollment does not have to be an undergrad degree–non-degree, vocational schools, and certificates also qualify. Students may only apply the scholarship towards housing, transportation, or food if the cost is a part of the tuition fee. Scholarship funds may apply 10% of scholarship to textbooks and supplies with a receipt provided for reimbursement. Ruby’s Rainbow has over 35 prominent sponsors including Whole Foods, major hotels, clinics, and law firms.
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Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation provides renewable annual college scholarships for students with disabilities pertaining to Type 1 Diabetes up to $10,000 for tuition, fees, and books.Students must renew their application every year. A GPA of 3.0 is required and commitment to extracurricular activities. The application process begins in January and ends April 15. Students will know that their applications are complete when the online submission is accepted. A Supplemental Survey and Budget process may be requested during the time of review.
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation started when the family dealt with T1D in their family. The Verplanks privately fund much of the scholarship along with other donations. An annual celebrity golf tournament is hosted to raise additional funds.
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Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf
Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf offers scholarships for students with disabilities to high school and graduate students pursuing a 4-year degree in a four-year college. Community college, vocational schools and graduate degrees don’t qualify. Students must have a minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss. US citizenship is required. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required. Over 800 scholarships have been provided in the past 10 years.
Sertoma operates nationwide while still transforming lives for hearing health on the local level with services and clubs. They provide an additional scholarship for graduate students, too.
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Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program
Pfizer Hemophilia Scholarship Program offers the Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program for students with hemophilia to assist their educational needs. Scholarships are provided to students with type A or type B hemophilia. Students must have a high school diploma or GED and be currently enrolled in community, undergraduate, graduate or vocational school.
The Soozie Courter scholarship is in its 22nd year of supporting the hemophilia community. Pfizer does not require students to be using any of their treatments to be considered. It is recommended that transcripts for application are requested by March 29.
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The Ability Center
The Ability Center Disability Scholarships only require that you have a disability of any type that may require additional assistance not provided to a traditional student. Scholarship recipients must be from Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa, Defiance or Williams county in Ohio or Monroe or Lenawee county in Michigan. They must have a GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program. Students must write an essay and provide past activities or employment records to qualify. Three references and transcripts are required.
The Ability Center provides help to individuals with disabilities in other ways than scholarships. They are very active in the community through support of other programs and services, housing, life skills, assistance dogs, and equipment loans.
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UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship
The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program provides disability scholarships to students with disabilities. They offer over 33 one-time scholarships to students. Thirty students will be awarded $5,000 each. Two students will receive $10,000 each through The Epilepsy Leader Scholarships. One student receives $10,000 through the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship. Students must be US residents and enrolled in an associate, undergrad, grad or trade school to qualify. A physician letter is required. Students that exhibit extracurricular activities and positive role model qualities receive consideration. The application process includes a one-page essay, three letters of recommendation, and
The UCB Family Epilepsy Program has awarded over $2.4M to over 500 students since 2005. They are based out of Smyrna, GA and focus solely on scholarships for students with epilepsy.
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Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships
Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships offers a variety of scholarships with two scholarships for students with disabilities focused on autism and Down syndrome. Recipients must demonstrate an interest in law or criminal justice. These scholarships for students with disabilities vary slightly because they are for students younger than 15 years of age. The may be submitted by a teacher, friend, relative, or parent. The scholarship can be used for educational or recreational opportunities. Applicants should include the name, photo, and a video letter or story submitted on the website to qualify. Applicants must agree to allowing the student to be featured on the website.
Varghese Summersett offers more than just disability scholarships. They have criminal justice essay contests for any students in a post-secondary or graduate school. Varghese Summersett is a law firm based out of Fort Worth, TX that has personally experienced the need for assistance to children with Down syndrome and autism.
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Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities
The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities requires the applicant to identify with a long-term and recurring disability that affects their life in a jajor way. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and plan to enroll in undergrad studies. Full time students are eligible to reapply for another 3 years and part time students may apply for an additional 7 years. Renewal requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students are notified in March of their application status. Payments are made August 1. Only the first 700 applications will be considered every year.
Wells Fargo commits $1M to Scholarship America to manage their scholarships and provide tuition assistance. Wells Fargo provides this scholarship in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Applications become available every fall in October. Notifications when applications open may be requested on the website.
Do I Have to Have a Documented Disability to Get a Disability Scholarship?
People who receive assistance for their disabilities already, such as those receiving SSI benefits or vets receiving VA assistance, may wonder will disability pay for college. SSI doesn’t directly cover college costs, but those on disability can often find state or local programs that will help them save for college or attend.
The GI Bill is still in effect for vets, so they can still look to those benefits to help them. In all cases, students and prospective students will have to do research to find the national, state, and local programs that offer financial aid for students with disabilities.
Those programs exist, and there’s a lot of them, so applicants shouldn’t waste any time trying to find solutions that can lead to low cost or free college tuition for the disabled.
What are Some Disabilities that Have Special Scholarships?
Practically every named disability has a scholarship, grant, or other opportunity associated with it. Students who search for these scholarships can narrow the lists down by specific disabilities. Some examples of disabilities with special scholarships include:
Autoimmune disease scholarships exist to help applicants and students meet the challenge of attending school while dealing with their specific illness. As there are many types of autoimmune diseases, applicants should also consider looking for autoimmune disease scholarships by the name of the specific disease as well.
For example, Lupus, MS, Psoriasis, and Graves’ disease are all very different types of illnesses. Some scholarships or grants may only go towards people with a specific illness. For example, applicants can look for things like:
- Crohn’s disease scholarships
- Arthritis scholarships
- Cerebral palsy scholarships
- Chronic pain scholarships
Applicants can also go as far as looking for scholarships by drilling down to very specific ailments. For example, arthritis scholarships or chronic pain scholarships are out there, but there are various types of arthritis and chronic pain can stem from any of several illnesses.
At the same time, applicants should understand that they’re not limited to scholarships for a particular type of disability, just that it’s a good place to start. It can help for applicants to work backward by looking for their very specific illness, then the larger category of that illness, and then for general disability scholarships, followed by more traditional grant and scholarship opportunities.
Examples here focused on illnesses, but these tips for finding scholarships apply to every type of disability, whether they’re physical, psychological, genetic, or anything else. For example, applicants with mobility issues can look for scholarship opportunities specifically for those with that condition.
Are there Government Grants for Disabled Adults to Go to School?
College grants for disabled adults exist at the federal and state level. In some cases, these grants exist at the local level as well. For federal grants disabled adults can look to the Federal Student Aid program which offers numerous types of assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and various other forms of aid.
However, states also offer college grants for disabled adults in various forms. Federal grants disabled adults obtain can supplement state grants or vice versa. Applicants should thoroughly check their official state websites and do some research online to see if they can find anything specifically tied to disabilities, such as rare disease scholarships or parent disability scholarships.
Some opportunities exist for people who suffer a disability but are also in a specific type of living situation. For example, parent disability scholarships tend to focus on people who have a named disability but also have children to raise.
Some states also partner with colleges to create opportunities for students with disabilities. All of this points to the fact that applicants will need to do heavy research to find all the grants, aid, and scholarships available to them.
Many colleges will have this type of information as well, so applicants who want to attend a specific school can ask for suggestions from that school’s financial aid office. Some government grants for disabled adults may only apply to certain schools or programs.
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