College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students With Disabilities

Michael Yasick ADHD Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 plus one year of coaching ($4,400 value)

Application Due Date: February 18

The Michael Yasick Scholarship recognizes students diagnosed with ADHD who are accepted to or enrolled in a two- or four-year undergraduate program. The award includes a year of ADHD coaching services to help students with the challenges and opportunities they may encounter in life.

Rise Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

Amount: $2,500

Application Deadline Date: February 15

Five students diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and an additional learning disability receive this award annually, which assists students who learn differently from the traditional student. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher to qualify.

Autism Delaware

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: February 15

This scholarship is designed specifically for adults on the autism spectrum who wish to pursue a postsecondary education. Applicants must complete a cover letter describing why they are pursuing a degree and their employment plans after graduation.

Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: July 31

Named for a 14-year-old boy with autism who wandered away from school and did not make it home alive, this scholarship is for high-achieving students diagnosed with autism or who have a close family member with autism. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted to an accredited university or college.

Kelly Law Team Autism Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: June 30

Open to anyone with autism, two scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing a secondary education. Applicants submit an inspirational essay explaining how the scholarship will benefit them. Stories are placed on the Kelly Law Team website and winners are selected based on which story receives the most attention.

KFM Making a Difference

Amount: $500

Application Due Date: April 30

This scholarship was developed by Kerry Magro, a national motivational speaker who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Kerry holds a master’s degree in strategic communications and management. He dreams of helping others with autism experience educational success.

Organization for Autism Research

Amount: $3,000

Application Due Date: May 1

Two nonrenewable scholarships for students on the autism spectrum are provided through the Organization for Autism Research. Eligible individuals are full-time students working toward certification or accreditation in a particular field.

1-800 Wheelchair Scholarship

Amount: $500

Application Due Date: September 15

Two students receive this annual award, established in 2006 to raise awareness of mobility issues on college campuses. Applicants must complete a creative application, based on the current year’s requirements.

AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

Amount: $1,000 and under

Application Due Date: November 15

Applicants for this scholarship are juniors in college with a diagnosed disability who are pursuing a degree related to health and disability including public health, health promotion, disability studies, disability research, rehabilitation engineering and audiology.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Amount: $5,000

Application Due Date: May 22

Graduate students with a disability who are or will be enrolled in communication sciences and disorders are eligible for this scholarship underwritten by the Leslie Londer Fund. Twenty general scholarships are given.

Baer Reintegration Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: January 31

Designed for students diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, applicants must be currently receiving medical treatment for the disease and be actively involved in rehabilitative efforts. Awards are based on academic success, an essay, references and other requirements.

Bella Soul Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: Varies

Bella Soul gives scholarships to college students with a chronic illness or physical disability. It also provides a community page on its website to support those students.

BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship

Amount: $2,500 (in Canada)

Application Due Date: Coming Soon

In an effort to foster a diverse workforce, this scholarship provides people with disabilities the opportunity to develop themselves through education. Applicants must submit a resume as well as an essay about their career goals and why they should receive the scholarship.

Business Plan Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: December 4

This scholarship requires applicants to write an essay about the process of writing a business plan. Essays are judged by the co-founders of Fit Small Business on originality, writing style and quality of ideas.

Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Amount: $10,000 (in U.S.) or $5,000 (in Canada)

Application Due Date: Not yet posted

Google designed this scholarship for students with disabilities that require long-term or recurring support that impacts one or more major activities considered to be daily functions. This is a one-time award for undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students.

Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: Spring

The Hydrocephalus Association has a number of scholarship opportunities for promising young adults who live with the disease. The organization adds scholarships as it grows.

Incight Scholars

Amount: $500 and $750

Application Due Date: April 1

Residents of Oregon, Washington and California are eligible for this renewable award for students with a documented disability. Applicants should demonstrate service to the community and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Injury Lawyer News Annual Disability Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: December 31

Pre-law and law students with a medically documented disability (either physical or learning) may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be accepted to or already attending an accredited university or law school in the U.S.

Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: March 1

This scholarship from the University of Colorado, Boulder College of Arts and Sciences is designed for a student with a solid academic record who has a disability. Special consideration is given to Colorado residents with multiple sclerosis who are anthropology majors.

Louise J. Snow Endowed Scholarship Fund for Disabled Students

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: Unknown

Offered through the University of Utah, this scholarship is designed for students who have a documented disability and who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Application Due Date: March 15

Awarded to promising high school students with financial need who plan to attend a vocational or academic college. This nonrenewable scholarship is designed for students declaring a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business or a related field.

Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Amount: Varies (average of $1,623)

Application Due Date: Unknown

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation provides grants for students with disabilities who have documented financial need. These grants are paid directly to the students’ educational institutions.

Ralph G. Norman Scholarship

Amount: $500

Application Due Date: Unknown

Available to Arkansas residents only, this scholarship provides help to young adults with learning difficulties so they can experience educational success. Two scholarships are rewarded each year.

Science Graduate Student Grant Fund

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date:

The Foundation for Science and Disability aims to provide opportunities for graduate and professional students with disabilities pursuing degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, technology and pre-medical/dental areas.

AG Bell College Scholarship Program

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: Mid-March

Full-time students with pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss that is moderately severe to profound who are pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree are eligible. This is a merit-based scholarship and is very competitive.

Anders Tjellstrom Scholarship

Amount: $2,000 per year

Application Due Date: October 1

This award is open to Baha System recipients in the U.S. and Canada and was developed to help individuals further improve themselves by continuing their education. Applicants should be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student and must maintain a 2.5 grade point average to keep the scholarship.

Graeme Clark Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Application Due Date: October 1

Individuals who have received a Nucleus Cochlear Implant are eligible for this renewable award. The scholarship was founded by Professor Graeme Clark, who was committed to finding solutions for the hearing impaired.

Linda Cowden Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: Unknown

Named in memory of Linda Cowden, an administrative assistant and liaison to area deaf clubs for 10 years, this scholarship is awarded to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing and who has been accepted into a postsecondary institution. Applicants must live in one of the 16 counties of Tennessee that Bridges serves.

Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing of Deaf

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: May 1

This scholarship for students with a minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss in both ears may be used to cover tuition, books and supplies. Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree on a full-time basis at a college or university in the U.S.

Agee Memorial Dyslexia Scholarship Fund

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: June 1

This scholarship for Eastern Kentucky University students is awarded to two recipients each year (one incoming freshman and one continuing student) who have a diagnosed reading disorder (dyslexia). Applicants write an essay explaining how they have worked to overcome the effects of a learning disability.

Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Application Due Date: December 31

The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a one-time award to a high school senior applying to a two-year community college to take a vocational tech program or specialized program for students who have learning disabilities. The recipient must demonstrate perseverance and be committed to achieving his or her academic goals.

Allina Health Scholarship for People with Disabilities

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: May 31

This scholarship assists people who have a sensory impairment or physical disability as they pursue educational goals or gain technical expertise beyond high school. Applicants must identify how the award would support their career goals.

Anne Ford Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 ($2,500 per year over four years)

Application Due Date: December 31

Successful candidates for the Anne Ford Scholarship must be a graduating senior in high school who will attend a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be involved in school and community activities.

Bennett A. Brown Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: April 17

Provided by Georgia State University, this scholarship is for students with language-based learning disabilities who are registered at the Margaret A. Stanton Office of Disability Services at Georgia State. Successful candidates are incoming freshmen who demonstrate financial need.

DREAM Institute’s Higher Education Assistance Program (HEAP)

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: April 1

The HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship is for Oklahoma students with learning disabilities who are pursuing a higher education degree at an Oklahoma college or university. Recipients are eligible to receive academic tutoring, and scholarship funds may go to tuition, fees and books.

Landmark College Scholarships

Amount: $5,000 to $10,000

Application Due Date: February 15

Landmark College is one of only two colleges in the country specifically for students with learning disabilities. Multiple scholarships are available for students and are based on financial aid and merit.

Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa

Amount: $1,000

Application Due Date: Unknown

Three Iowa seniors with learning disabilities are awarded scholarships each year to assist them in pursuing a postsecondary education.

Liff Family Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Application Due Date: Unknown

Full-time undergraduate students with learning disabilities enrolled at Indiana University, Bloomington may apply for this need-based award. Preference is given to residents of Davidson County.

P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,000

Application Due Date: March 31

Graduating high school seniors interested in a career in the visual arts are eligible for this need-based award. Applicants must show a certified language-related learning difference and an artistic talent.

AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Application Due Date: May 31

This scholarship is awarded to one full-time college student each year who uses a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair or mobility scooter. Successful candidates will have at least one year of college experience and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Chair Scholars Foundation

Amount: Up to $30,000

Application Due Date: Unknown

Students attending Edinboro University of Pennsylvania or University of Tampa are eligible for this award. Candidates must have a serious physical challenge, which may or may not require the use of a wheelchair for mobility.

Craig H. Nielsen Scholarship Fund for Students with Disabilities

Amount: $7,000

Application Due Date: Unknown

Established in 2008, this scholarship provides funds for tuition, books and fees for students with spinal cord injuries. Preference is given to students in a business-related major or those studying law.

DREAM Institute’s Higher Education Assistance Program (HEAP)

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: April 1

The HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship is for Oklahoma students with physical disabilities who are pursuing a higher education degree at an Oklahoma college or university. Awards are based on financial need and intended to fill in the gap where funding is lacking. Eligibility is renewed annually.

Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $500 to $2,000

Application Due Date: June 1

This scholarship is available to female graduate students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a U.S. college or university. The awards are awarded on an objective basis.

Keaton K. Walker Scholarship Fund

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: Unknown

The University of Utah provides this scholarship to graduate and undergraduate students with physical disabilities, with preference given to those with visual impairments. Students must make satisfactory scholastic progress and demonstrate a determination to overcome physical limitations.

Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys

Amount: $1,500

Application Due Date: July 31

Designed to both increase awareness of cerebral palsy and celebrate the achievements of those affected by it, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled as graduate or undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must write an essay reflecting on how cerebral palsy affects their lives.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Amount: $5,000

Application Due Date: May 22

Underwritten by the Leslie Londer Fund, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate student with a disability. Recipients must not have received a prior award from the ASHFoundation.

National Stuttering Association Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Application Due Date: June 1

This award, given by the National Stuttering Association, goes to students with a speech disorder who can demonstrate financial need. Applicants must submit an essay explaining their particular situation and how much financial assistance they need.

Our guide to Visual Disabilities offers further resources and expert tips, as well as additional scholarships and grants for students with visual disabilities.

American Foundation for the Blind

Amount: $500 to $2,500

Application Due Date: May 31

The AFB administers multiple annual scholarships for students who are legally blind. Applicants must submit proof of their blindness, transcripts, an essay and two letters of recommendation. Some scholarships have additional requirements. Some are available only to either undergraduate or graduate students.

Lighthouse Guild

Amount: $10,000

Application Due Date: March 31

Up to 20 merit-based scholarships are awarded each year to high school students getting ready to attend college. An additional scholarship is given to a graduate student. Applicants must submit proof of legal blindness, two personal statements, three letters of recommendation and copies of transcripts and test scores.

Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards

Amount: $1,000 to $6,000

Application Due Date: March 1

This award is for a legally blind student who has been registered as a Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D) for at least a year and will be seeking a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

National Federation of the Blind

Amount: $3,000 to $12,000

Application Due Date: March 31

There are more than 30 merit-based, national scholarship opportunities available through the National Federation of the Blind. To be eligible, students must attend a postsecondary institution full time and attend the NFB national convention.

United States Association of Blind Athletes

Amount: $500

Application Due Date: August 1

Awarded to one legally blind male and female student each year, this scholarship is for students enrolled in a two- or four-year college, university or technical school who have a cumulative grade point average or 2.5 or better and are current members of USABA.