U.S. Scholarships for the Blind

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/09/13 - Updated: 2023/05/03
Category Topic: Disability Scholarships - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: A list of available school and college scholarships for the blind and visually impaired. The American Foundation for the Blind administers a scholarship program for deserving students.

Introduction

This list of disability scholarships provide financial assistance with tuition, books, and supplies for legally blind United States citizens of working age who are pursuing an accredited post-secondary education. Only assistance not provided by your state agency for the blind is considered. The "ideal" applicant is someone who, through his/her prior accomplishments, exhibits a high probability of success. Those who have already demonstrated their own individual initiative and received recognition or support from other is also a plus.

Main Content

U.S. Blind, Low Vision, and Visually Impaired Scholarships

American Action Fund Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are legally blind. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic excellence, service to the community, and financial need. Financial data: The stipend is $10,000.

American Council of the Blind Scholarship

Each and Every year the American Council of the Blind (ACB) issues over two- dozen visually impaired scholarships and awards to blind students who have demonstrated excellence in the pursuit of educational desires. This scholarship is awarded to legally blind applicants admitted for study at any accredited college for any level or kind of study, including vocational study. Financial assistance to blind undergraduate/graduate students interested in studying in a field of service to persons with disabilities. Financial data: $2,000 and a Kurzweil-1000 Reading System. Contact American Council of the Blind in September to request more information.

American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship

The American Foundation for the Blind administers a scholarship program for deserving students. Each year individuals who are blind or visually impaired can apply for financial awards to support their post-secondary education. The deadline for applying for AFB's 2009 scholarships was April 30, 2009. The American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship offers two scholarships:

• 1) The Karen Carsel Memorial Scholarship provides a grant to a full-time graduate student who is legally blind and who presents evidence of economic need.
• 2) The Ferdinand Torres Scholarship provides a grant to a full-time post-secondary student who is legally blind and who presents evidence of economic need. To be eligible the applicant must reside in the United States but need not be a U.S. citizen. Preference will be given to applicants residing in the New York City metropolitan area and to new U.S. immigrants.

Anne Lowe Memorial Scholarships

Scholarships for legally blind (20/200 with correction) undergraduate students. Financial data: $500. Deadline: 03/01/2010 - NOTE: Due to changes in the economy, Christian Record Services for the Blind is unable to offer scholarships for the 2009-10 school year. Check back with them in the fall of 2009 or call 402-488-0981, extension 215 for updated information.

Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships

The Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships are awarded annually to to one male (Arthur E. Copeland Scholarship) and one female (Helen Copeland Scholarship) United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) current member 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. Consideration will be given to students with good academic records, involvement in civic/extracurricular activities, academic goals/objectives and USABA involvement at various levels. Applicants must be United States citizens. Financial data: $500.

Beverly Prows Memorial Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to legally blind state residents pursuing full-time college or graduate courses of study. Student must be a resident of Washington State. Financial data: $3,000. (515) 236-3366.

Frank Walton Horn Memorial Scholarship

Offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are legally blind who have academic excellence, service to the community, and financial need. (425) 823-6380.

Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards

Each year, RFB&D sponsors two awards programs for outstanding students with print disabilities: The Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award (SAA) and The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening® (LTL®) Award. Awards are presented to 6 Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) members who are high school seniors with learning disabilities, in recognition of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise and service to others. Must have a specific learning disability (visual impairment alone does not indicate eligibility), overall grade average of B or above for grades 10 through 12 and plan to continue formal education. Financial data: $2,000-$6,000.

Mary Anne Parks Performing Arts Scholarship

The performing arts division of the National Federation of the Blind is proud to announce the opening of the Mary Anne Parks Performing Arts Scholarship. This scholarship will assist high school seniors through grad students in their performing arts pursuits. The deadline for application submission is March 31, 2010. The scholarship will be awarded at the convention of the National Federation of the Blind, July 3 to 8, 2010 in Dallas TX. If you have any questions about the application, contact Lisa Ostrow, the scholarship coordinator - scholarships@padnfb.org

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

Each year at its national convention in July, the National Federation of the Blind gives thirty scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, to recognize achievement by blind scholars. For full-time students who are legally blind, the award is based on academic excellence, service to the community, and financial need. Contact us at scholarships@nfb.org or 410-659-9314.

The Association of Blind Citizens Reggie Johnson Scholarship

The Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) will be awarding this disability scholarship to a number of legally blind students. One $2,000 scholarship and eight $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to winners. Applicants will have to submit a 300 to 500 word autobiographical essay explaining how the award could assist them in achieving their college or vocational program goals.

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.