U.S. Disability Scholarships for College and University
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/09/18 - Updated: 2026/02/26
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Scholarships - Related Publications
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information, maintained by the founder and Editor-in-Chief of a well-established disability news and resource publication, gathers a broad selection of U.S.-based scholarships and grants open to students with general disabilities pursuing college, graduate, and vocational education. Listings include programs from organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind, Google Lime, the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation, and several others - with individual awards ranging from $500 to $12,000. The page also references federal student aid resources through the U.S. Department of Education. For disabled students, families, and guidance counselors trying to identify realistic funding options for higher education, having these programs collected in a single reference is a practical and time-saving resource - Disabled World (DW).
- Topic Definition: Disability Scholarships
Disability scholarships are financial awards specifically designated for students who have a documented physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health-related disability, intended to reduce the economic barriers that can prevent disabled individuals from pursuing post-secondary education. In the United States, these scholarships are offered by a mix of nonprofit foundations, advocacy organizations, corporations, universities, and government programs, and they are typically awarded based on criteria such as disability status, financial need, academic performance, field of study, or participation in disability-related advocacy or athletics.
Introduction
A scholarship is defined as an award of financial aid for a student to further his or her education. The terms "scholarship" and "grant" are often used interchangeably, but there are usually differences between these two forms of aid. Students with disabilities can apply for awards and scholarships intended for disabled students in general, or relating to a specific disability.
Main Content
Omaha Volunteers for Handicapped Children
5-10 scholarships available with a deadline of July 15 To apply, student must meet the following criteria: U.S. Citizen - Major: Education-related Major or Health Occupations-related Major - The applicant must major in teaching or health with an emphasis on the Orthopedically Impaired and/or physical disabilities. Selection is based on an essay of no more than 250 words about their future goals in relation to the Orthopedically Impaired and/or Physically Disabled, and their need for the scholarship.
Lois Carlson, 2010 Country Club Avenue, Omaha, NE 68104 Phone (402) 553-0378
1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship Fund
1800Wheelchair is proud to announce their sixth scholarship award. The 1800wheelchair scholarship now awards two $500 scholarship each year. Our past essays have explored mobility issues on campus and much more. High school and undergraduate college students who apply for the 1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship will have the opportunity to win $500 for college. Students must be at least 16 years old and must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to applicants with a mobility disability, but disability is not a requirement.
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships
ELA Scholarships are available only to women graduate students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a college or university in the United States. These scholarships are awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis. Scholarships range between $500 and $2,000.
Essex County Bar Foundation Scholarship
Every year the Essex County Bar Foundation offers a scholarship for a disabled law student in memory of Joseph J. and Vincent P. Biunno. Those with connections to New Jersey receive preference. Those interested should email the agency with their name and address.
disABLEdperson Inc. College Scholarship Competition
disABLEDperson, Inc. announces Fall 2009 nationally based scholarship competition for college students with disabilities. In order to qualify, the student must be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year accredited college or university in the United States of America. They must be a full-time student and U.S. citizen (minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate). Upon winning, the student will prove disability through their Disability Student Services department. We define disability as: "A disadvantage or deficiency, especially a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents normal achievement in a particular area. Something that hinders or incapacitates." This competition begins on August 17, 2009 and ends on October 14, 2009
The Scholarship for People with Disabilities
Annually provides students with scholarships of up to $1,000. To be eligible applicants must have a physical or sensory disability and must demonstrate scholarship need. This award is limited to students who are Minnesota residents or who have received Courage Center services.
Federal Student Aid Grant Program
From Disability Gov, this fact sheet provides an overview of the major federal student aid grant programs. The federal government provides grant funds for students attending colleges, including career colleges and universities. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid.
Funding Education Beyond High School
The U.S. Department of Education Guide to Federal Student Aid (2009 - 2010) provides information for students and families on applying for federal student aid to pay for post secondary education. This guide explains the application process, the various federal loans, grants and work"study programs available, and how to apply for them.
Scholarships and Internships for Latino Students With Disabilities
The World Institute on Disability (WID) has a five - year grant to establish the National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities living in the United States, through Proyecto Vision. Proyecto Visions website has a list of scholarship opportunities for college students who are Latino and who are living with disability.
College Funding For Students With Disabilities
From DOIT, this guide to funding a college education includes a list of disability"related scholarships and awards.
Arthur E. And Helen Copeland Scholarships
The Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships are awarded annually to one male and one female member of the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) who is legally blind and enrolling/enrolled at a two"year or four"year or technical institution or university as a full"time student. Applicants must have participated in USABA sports programs. Scholarship amount awarded is $500.
Ela Scholarship
The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation provides financial assistance for women with physical disabilities who are in graduate school. The goal is to allow them to pursue their degree, and develop their leadership role within the disability community.
Google Lime Scholarship For Students With Disabilities
Google is partnering with Lime to provide scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities. Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates academic background, leadership and passion for computer science " $10,000 USD for those studying in the US and $5,000 CAD for those studying in Canada (based on average tuition costs).
Ameriglide Achiever Scholarship
The AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship is a program offered to full time college students who use wheelchairs. Their goal is to help provide financial assistance for books or other school related supplies to deserving mobility challenged students. This $500 scholarship is available twice a year for the Fall and Spring Semesters.
National Federal Of The Blind Scholarship Program
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to blind students who will be enrolled in college or a graduate program beginning in the fall of 2010, including incoming freshmen. Scholarships range in value from $3,000 to $12,000.
Loreen Arbus Focus On Disability Scholarship
The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship is open to Student Producers currently enrolled in a U.S. college, university or community college. This $10,000 award was created to recognize student filmmakers who: shed light on people with disabilities; help emerging artists within this community gain recognition; and increase visibility for artists with disabilities.
Spin Life Innovation In Motion Scholarship Program
The SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship program is designed to aid college students in their academic endeavors. The annual program will provide up to two $500 scholarships and is open to students who are manual or power wheelchair users enrolled at an accredited 4"year institution.
NOTE: This list of U.S. Disability Scholarships is a work in progress. If you know, or offer, such scholarships please contact us (top of page) so we can add the scholarship to our list.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The cost of higher education in the United States is a barrier for nearly everyone, but for students with disabilities the challenge is compounded by additional expenses - adaptive technology, accessible housing, personal care attendants, and specialized transportation, to name a few. Scholarships like the ones gathered here are not token gestures; they represent targeted efforts by foundations, corporations, and advocacy organizations to close a gap that financial aid offices alone cannot fill. The range of programs listed, from athletics-based awards for blind students to graduate funding for women with physical disabilities, reflects the diversity of the disabled student population itself. What matters most is that students and their families know these opportunities exist, because too many qualified applicants never apply simply because they never heard about them - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.