Who is Entitled to Disability Scholarships?

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/11/23 - Updated: 2025/02/22
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Scholarships - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This information offers insights into the eligibility criteria for various disability scholarships, distinguishing between merit-based and need-based awards. It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reviewing application details to ensure alignment with specific disability requirements. Additionally, the article highlights reputable organizations that provide financial aid tailored to students with disabilities, assisting with education-related expenses such as assistive technologies and support services. This information is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities and seniors seeking accessible educational opportunities, as it guides them in identifying and securing appropriate financial support to further their education - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

A scholarship is defined as an award of financial aid for a person to further their education. The terms "scholarship" and "grant" are often used interchangeably, but there are usually differences between these two forms of aid. Most scholarships are merit based. This means that they are awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability. Many scholarships have rules, maintaining a certain GPA, for example, that you have to follow to continue receiving aid. Students with disabilities may be able to apply for awards intended for people with disabilities. Those scholarships may be intended for disabled students in general, or in relation to a specific disability. Most grants are need based. This means that they are usually awarded based on your or your family's financial situation.

Main Content

No two disability scholarships are ever quite the same and not every scholarship may apply to you or your current situation. If, for example, you have a hearing impairment and the scholarship is for blind students, you obviously would not qualify. Therefore be sure you read the scholarship application details and requirements thoroughly before filling out the form(s).

The Learning Disabilities Association is a U.S. national organization committed to providing services, education, and resources for individuals with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD, among others. Students facing such challenges might benefit from contacting their state's chapter of the LDA.

Students with disabilities can qualify for a large number of unique scholarship types and Disabled World has assembled a few of the well respected organizations that provide disability scholarships. Funding can assist with approved education-related items and services such as tutors, note-takers, assistive computer software, and other equipment to accommodate your individual disability-related needs.

The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is a good place to begin your search for financial aid information. An administrator there can tell you about student aid available from your state, the school itself, and other sources.

Scholarships are Usually Awarded on Academic Merit

They may be a few hundred dollars or a significant sum of money, and unlike student loans, they do not have to be repaid. Colleges and universities award a wide variety of scholarships so you will want to talk to the Student Financial Aid Office about what is available. There are also other scholarships available specifically for students with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities.

The best source of information on student funding is always the Student Financial Aid Office at your college or university. Information and regulations change fairly frequently, but they will have the latest information. They can:

• Answer any questions and help you fill in forms if you are having difficulty.
• Provide you with information on student loans, scholarships and bursaries.
• Provide you with necessary information if you are applying for loans and you are going to school in a different state than your permanent residence.
• Provide you with the necessary application forms or the website where you can find them. In some locations you can apply online for free and avoid the application fee.

General Scholarships and Awards

• Search the web: Run searches for "disability scholarships," "financial aid for disabled" "disability college grants," etc.
• Religious Groups: Your church, mosque, synagogue or temple may have scholarships available. Also check with the headquarters of your religious affiliation.
• Chamber of Commerce: Your local Chamber of Commerce may offer small grants or scholarships to local students, often to those pursuing a career in business.
• Employers: Parents can check with personnel administrators to see if their employers offer financial aid, tuition reimbursement, or scholarships for employees' children. If you are employed or volunteering, ask your company if they offer scholarships.
• Parents: A good first step in your scholarship search is to check with your parents' employers, local organizations, your high school guidance counselor, your college or university's financial aid office, the department chairman at your chosen school, and your college or the local library.
• Take the PSAT: The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The PSAT/NMSQT gives you practice for the SAT, as well as a chance to qualify for scholarship and recognition programs.
• Organizations: Many professional or social organizations offer scholarships. The Elks Club, for example, offers millions of dollars each year in scholarships for graduating high school students. Some labor unions (AFLCIO, Teamsters, etc.) offer scholarships for members and their dependent children. If you are not a member of an organization, check with organizations that are related to your chosen field of study.
• AmeriCorps: A network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps jobs are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged seventeen or older. Participants receive an education award to pay for college or graduate school, or to pay back student loans. For more information, call 1-800-942-2677 (TTY 1-800-833-3722) or consult www.americorps.gov

Note: Financial assistance for students with a physical disability is generally separate from, for example, hearing and learning disability scholarships.

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.