Grants & Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

There are many types of scholarships available. While most people tend to think about academic or athletic scholarships, there are scholarships for a variety of talents, skills, unique characteristics and even disabilities. Scholarships for students with disabilities help students and their families with financial assistance to help with rising costs of health care.

These types of scholarships are particularly important because students with disabilities often incur huge medical costs in the treatment of their conditions. This particular niche of scholarships also serves as an alternative to traditional scholarships. For some students, their medical conditions may create circumstances that make them cause them ineligible for many of the traditional scholarships. Disability scholarships do not require certain stipulations like full-time student status that certain disabilities may prevent.

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act required schools to accommodate the population of their student body with disabilities. One of the benefits of the act was the increase in funding for scholarships for their disabled students. Educational institutions are not the only source of funding for disabled students. Many corporations and private foundations also offer these types of scholarships. Disabled students scholarships help to motivate students to continue on with their goals of achieving a college education.

They also reward and recognize the effort that many students take to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their education. There are scholarships available for students that suffer from mental, physical, health-related, students with learning disabilities and students with hearing and visual impairments.

Scholarships for Students with Physical Disabilities

Students with physical disabilities overcome many barriers in their day to day lives. Scholarships that support students with a physical ailment aim to help students continue their education. These scholarships are available to help students continue their education so they also have the opportunity to expand their career options and improve their lives. Physical disability scholarships are available for students that are amputees, wheelchair bound students and people born with conditions that limit their mobility. Here are a few of the scholarships available to students with physical disabilities.

SpinLife “Innovation in Motion” Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by SpinLife, the country’s largest seller of mobility equipment. This company sponsors an annual scholarship program that provides one $500 scholarship. The scholarship application is available for download in the spring. A committee evaluates each application and the winner is chosen based on merit and creativity. To be eligible the student must:

• Must be over the age of 18 and enrolled in an accredited, four-year undergraduate institution
• Have at least a 3.0 GPA
• Be a legal resident of the U.S. or have a valid student visa
• Must use a manual or power wheelchair

The winner is announced on August 1st. For more information on this scholarship, click here.

Ameriglide Achiever Scholarship

Ameriglide is a supplier and distributor of home mobility products. The company is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a student. The award is to help cover books and tuition. Applying for this scholarship requires the submission of an essay. The essay must be a minimum of 500 words and reflect on what the applicant would do to improve the accessibility of their campus, or schools they have visited. The applicant must also meet the following requirements:

• Must have one year of college experience
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Be enrolled in a two or four-year college or university in the U.S.
• Be a legal resident of the U.S. or have a valid student visa
• Must use a manual or electric wheelchair

The completed application and essay must be submitted by June. The scholarship is awarded in the all of the upcoming school year.

Independence Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship was designed to help students with disabilities live independent lives. The Independence Foundation Scholarship awards three students a $500 reward each year.

Applicants must submit a 500–word essay about how their physical limitations have presented challenges and how they were overcome. Students should also discuss their academic achievements, career aspirations and explain why they are deserving of this award.

The deadline for the application is in April. Recipients of the award are notified in May.

1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship Fund

1800Wheelchair.com offers two $500 scholarships each year. This essay competition has no formal application, however; there is a writing assignment. The writing assignment is usually and essay. For the 2012 school year, the company is holding a poetry contest about overcoming challenges. The applicants must meet the following guidelines:

• Be at least 16 years old
• A student in their senior year of an accredited high school or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program
• Be a legal resident of the U.S. or have a valid student visa

The essay needs to be postmarked by May 30th. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. The application must be submitted using standard mail to the address found on their website. All essays must be typed and have the applicant’s name, email address and phone number printed at the top of each page. Application acceptance begins in April. There are no limitations as to who can apply for this scholarship. However, preference is given to students with mobility disorders.

ChairScholars Foundation National Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

This scholarship program gives high school seniors and college freshman up to $20,000 for tuition and expenses. The total amount of funds for the program is $20,000. The foundation offers 15 to 20 students each year. The recipients receive $1,000 to $5,000. To qualify, students must:

• Have verifiable unmet financial need
• Have at least a B average
• Must demonstrate a commitment to community service
• Must be a high school senior or undergraduate student
• Must show a significant physical challenge and may be confined to a wheelchair
• Include a photograph that shows the applicant’s physical challenge.

Applicants must submit a 300-500 word essay on how the student became physically challenged and the effect that this has had on them and their families. The application must include the following:

• Three letters of recommendation
• High school transcripts
• Copies of SAT and ACT scores
• List of honors and achievements
• Physician’s documentation of the disability
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA

Students must also:

• Use a power or manual wheelchair
• Must have completed a year of college
• Must be a U.S. resident or have a valid student visa

Applicants must also submit a copy of their parent or guardian’s Federal Income Tax return for the prior year. Applicants with divorced parents will need to submit a copy of both parent’s tax returns. If the applicant receives social security income (SSI) or another form of aid, that should be noted. Applicants must also notify the committee of any other scholarship awards. Application acceptance period begins April 16th. The completed application must be received by June 17th. For more information, students should go to the Innovation in Motion Scholarship website.

SpinaBifida Association Scholarship

Established in 1988, the scholarship was designed to create opportunities for people with spina bifida. Every application is reviewed on its merit. The scholarship grants up to six students an award up to $2,000. The number of scholarships granted each is contingent upon the amount of money available for the scholarship.

To be eligible, the student must have spina bifida. Applicants must submit a physician’s statement of disability. The statement must be written on hospital or office letterhead with the physician’s phone number and address.

The applicant must be enrolled in a college, vocational, business school or approved trade or junior college. A copy of the acceptance letter needs to be included with the application. Any applicant that is awaiting acceptance needs to show proof of acceptance before they receive the award. The applicant must also meet the following criteria:

• Academic achievement
• Show commitment to community service
• Financial need
• Work history
• Leadership ability
• Commitment to personal goals

A personal statement needs to be submitted along with the application. The statement should explain the applicant’s educational goals. A copy of the student’s FAFSA form, current official school transcript and standardized test scores also need to be submitted with the application. For here for more information about the scholarship and the application.

180 Medical Scholarship

This scholarship was created to help students with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida and transverse myelitis. To be eligible, students must be graduating high school seniors, high school graduates or college students. High schools seniors must be accepted to a two-year or four-year college or university in the United States and plan to take at least 12 credit hours in the fall semester.

College students must plan on continuing their education and take minimum of 12 credit hours. The scholarship awards three students $1,000 each. For students to be considered for the scholarships, the following documents must be enclosed with the application.

• Physician’s statement of diagnosis
• Recent official transcript
• Verification of acceptance or enrollment in college

Applicants must also submit a 500-word essay about how they have overcome obstacles and how overcoming obstacles has influenced their life. The application and supporting materials must be postmarked by June 1st. Award recipients are notified in July. For more information, visit the 180 Medical Scholarship website.

Claude S. Weiler Scholarship for Amputee College Students

The National Amputation Foundation sponsors the Claude S. Weiler Scholarship for Amputee College Students. The foundation awards $500 scholarships to students that have a major-limb amputation. A major-limb amputation is an amputation that occurs above the wrist or ankle. To qualify, the student must be a full-time student at an accredited university or college. The scholarship requirements are as follows:

• Students need a letter from a physician that confirms their major-limb amputation
• Letter from a college confirming that the students will attend as a full-time student
• Copy of transcript from high school or college that confirms the student’s good standing
• Letter from the student explaining how the loss of a limb has affected their life

The deadline for the application is August 31st. The National Amputation Foundation website has more information about the scholarship and where to send the application.

Learning Disabilities

There are many scholarships available for students with learning disabilities. These scholarships reward students that persevere over their learning disability and achieve academic success. They provide inspiration to those students that have learning disabilities and provide financial assistance to help them achieve their educational goals.

P. Buckley Moss Foundation Scholarships

The P. Buckley Moss Foundation offers two scholarship programs for high-school seniors with language-related learning disabilities: The Ann and Matt Harbison Scholarship and the P.Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship.

The Ann and Matt Harbison Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school seniors that have a certified, language-related learning difference that wishes to pursue their post-secondary education. This $1500 scholarship is given to one high school senior and is renewable for three additional, consecutive years. The application requirements are as follows:

• The applicant must be nominated by a P. Buckley Moss Society member
• The language-related disability must be verified by a case manager or counselor
• Two letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be from a faculty member, the other from a person outside of school.
• Essay question response

The applications are due by March 31st. All of the materials must be mailed at the same time. Winners are announced on June 1st. The application is available for download here.

P.Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship

This award goes to one or more high school seniors with a certified language-related learning disability, and artistic talent wishes to pursue a carrier in the visual arts. This scholarship award is $1,500 and is renewable for up to three years. The scholarship represents the commitment of artist P. Buckley Moss to young people with learning disabilities that have an interest in the arts. To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior
• Verified Financial Need
• Visual arts talent
• Must be accepted to a four-year or two-year college or university
• Intent on pursuing a career in the visual arts

Students interested in this award must be nominated by a P. Buckley Moss Society member. The application package must include evidence of financial need and three copies of a portfolio. The portfolio should consist of six photographs of the applicant’s visual arts projects. The applications must be postmarked by March 31st. Click here for more information on this scholarship and application.

Anne Ford Scholarship and Allegra Ford Scholarship

The National Center for Learning Disabilities sponsors the Anne Ford Scholarship and the Allegra Ford Scholarship. These scholarships were created to help students with learning disabilities pursue their college education.

Anne Ford Scholarship

The Ann Ford Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability that plans to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the all. The ideal candidate is a student that:

• Can discuss how their learning disability and show the importance of self-advocacy
• Is committed to pursuing a degree at a four-year degree with realistic career goals
• Participates in activities within the community and at school
• Demonstrates academic achievement
• Plans to contribute to society in a way that increases opportunities for people with learning disabilities
• Acts as a role model for other people with learning disabilities

Students must submit an application, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement and high school transcript. Other documents that need to be included with the application include a financial statement, standardized test scores and proof of a learning disorder. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a graduating high school senior that will attend a four-year bachelor’s degree program in the fall
• Have an overall GPA of 3.0
• Provide current documentation of an identified learning disability
• Be a U.S. citizen

Allegra Fund Scholarship

The Allegra Fund Scholarship grants a $2,500 award to a graduating high school senior with a learning disability that plans to enroll in a two-year community college, specialized program for students with learning disabilities and vocational or technical programs in the fall. The ideal candidate is a student that:

• Can discuss how their learning disability and show the importance of self-advocacy
• Is committed to pursuing a degree at a four-year degree with realistic career goals
• Participates in activities within the community and at school
• Demonstrates academic achievement
• Plans to contribute to society in a way that increases opportunities for people that have learning disabilities
• Acts as a role model for other people with learning disabilities

The requirement includes the submission of a high school transcript and three letters of recommendation. Students also need to demonstrate proof of their learning disability and a financial statement. Eligible students must:

• Be attending a two-year college, vocational school or specialized program for students with learning disabilities in the fall
• Be a U.S. citizen

For more information about both of these scholarships, visit the National Center for Learning Disabilities Scholarship website.

Shire ADHD Scholarship Program

Shire is a global biopharmaceutical company that sponsors a yearly scholarship competition. Each year 50 students receive a one-time, $2,000 scholarship to help them pursue their education. The award also includes one year of ADHD coaching services by the Edge Foundation. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted or enrolled in a undergraduate program or two-year college, trade technical or vocational school.
• Be a legal resident of the U.S. or the District of Columbia
• Be currently under the care of a licensed health care provider for their ADHD

These scholarships are not based on financial need. Previous winners that meet the eligibility requirements may reapply for subsequent scholarships. Applications are accepted starting October 20th and must be postmarked by March 30th. Winners are notified in May. The applications can be submitted online on the scholarship’s website or mailed in.

Scholarships for Students with Psychological Disorders

Mental health issues affect many college students. The psychological disabilities can range from depression to schizophrenia. These students often have to manage their mental health along with the stresses of paying for college and their academic load. Scholarships for students that are affected with mental health disorders reward students that overcome their disability. These scholarships also alleviate the financial burden having a metal illness can create and helps to dispel the false perceptions people have about mental illness.

Karen Aberson Memorial Scholarship

Florida Atlantic University offers a scholarship for students with disabilities; priority is given to student with an emotional or psychological disability. The $500 award goes to a FAU undergraduate student with a 2.0 GPA or an incoming student. The student must take a minimum of six credit hours each semester.

Any student interested in this scholarship needs to fill out the Office Student of Students with Disabilities Scholarship application. Applications are available starting March 15th to May 15th for the following school year.

Lily Reintegration Scholarship

Sponsored by Eli Lily & Company, the scholarship encourages students with schizophrenia and related disorders to pursue their education.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

• Be diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform
• Be currently receiving treatment for the disease, including medications and psychiatric follow-up
• Be actively involved in rehabilitative or integrative efforts like school enrollment or volunteerism
• Submit the completed application package (application, essay, transcripts, three letters of recommendation and document stating the school’s financial requirements)

This scholarship is designed for students that are enrolled in high school equivalency, trade or vocational school, associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs. Applications are available in October and need to be postmarked by January 31st. Visit the Lily Reintegration website.

Scholarships for Health-Related Disorders

Some students are either born with or develop health conditions that can have a tremendous impact on their lives. These medical conditions can be emotionally financially taxing on families. Having a significant health condition can also impact a student’s ability to attend class and their participation in extra-curricular activities. Scholarships for students with medical disabilities give these students financial aid opportunities that regular scholarships may not allow. These scholarships take into account the special circumstances that prohibits students from qualifying for regular scholarships.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes spontaneous seizures that can disrupt the functioning of the brain and cause changes in a person’s behavior and attention. These scholarships are for students that are diagnosed with epilepsy.

The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program

The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program is for people who live with or support family members that have epilepsy. In 2011, forty students were awarded $5,000 each. The scholarships are for students in graduate and undergraduate programs. To apply, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Must be living with epilepsy, a family member that has epilepsy or be a caregiver to someone with epilepsy
• Demonstrate achievement, and serve as a positive role model
• Be graduating or graduated from high school
• Enrolled in or awaiting acceptance to a U.S. college or university

The candidate should submit three letters of recommendation. These recommendations should come from a member of the community school official and health care team. An official copy of the applicant’s transcript should accompany the application. The selection committee also requires a one-page essay explaining why the candidate should receive the scholarship and how epilepsy has impacted their life.

The completed application and all supporting materials must be submitted by May 4, 2012. For more information about the Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program and application, click here.

Mark R. Music Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Mark R. Music, a person who did not let his epilepsy stop him from achieving his goals. This scholarship is for students that reside in Idaho and are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Students need to meet several requirements to be eligible for this scholarship. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Idaho. The recipient of this award must be a high school graduate or equivalent that continues their education at college or vocational school. Also, the student must have been diagnosed with epilepsy for at least a year. While the applicant does not have to attend school in Idaho, preference is given to applicants that plan to go to an in-state school.

The committee takes into consideration how the applicant responds to the challenges of epilepsy and their career goals. Financial need is considered in the awarding of this scholarship. The deadline for this application is March 15th. Several documents must be submitted with these applications. The documents include:

• Application Form
• Physician statement
• Written Statement
• If the student is a member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho, a recommendation from a Foundation representative is required.

The Sara Elizabeth Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship for Persons with Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago sponsors this scholarship. The $2,000, one-year scholarship is given to a student that has epilepsy and is under a physician’s care. The award is for high school seniors that are going to college or vacation school. Applicants must live in Illinois. The applications are judged on merit, essays, letter of recommendation, community service and financial need. Previous winners of the award can reapply. The application is due on April 30th.

Scholarships for Students with Immunodefiency Diseases

The Immune Deficiency Foundation sponsors the Eric Marder and Varun Bhaskaran scholarships. These scholarships are in support of students are diagnosed with immunodeficiencies. The Eric Marder Scholarship program is available to students with a primary immunodeficiency conditions. Students enrolled in an undergraduate program or vocational school can apply.

The other scholarship is the Varun Bhaskaran (WAS) Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to assist students that are diagnosed with Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome. The scholarships give 30 to 40 students awards that range from $750 to $2,000 each. For more information about these scholarships, click here.

Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence (L.I.F.E.) Scholarship

This scholarship gives a minimum of $500 to a student with lupus. To be eligible, each applicant needs to be diagnosed with lupus. The scholarship requires recipients to take a minimum of six credit hours each semester at an accredited,U.S. college or university. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 and the student must be involved in at least one extra-curricular activity. Candidates need to submit the following:

• Completed application
• Physician’s letter verifying diagnosis
• Copy of transcript from most recent semester
• A letter of recommendation from a person who is not a relative
• A 500-word essay about the effects of lupus on the applicant’s life

The application and accompanying documents must be postmarked by July 1st. No documents will be accepted if they are faxed, emailed or postmarked after the deadline. For more details about this scholarship, click here.

Michael Jon Barlin Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor of Michael Barlin who, despite having lupus, received a BS degree from the University of Miami. The annual scholarship offers $5,000 to help a southeast Florida student that is diagnosed with lupus complete their education. There are several guidelines for this scholarship. To apply students must:

• Be a resident of Marin, Miami-Dade, Hendry, Brevard, Broward, Collier, Indian River, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Okeechobe, and Monroe counties
• Be currently attending college
• Submit a one-page statement explaining how lupus effects their lives
• Present a letter from their physician confirming the lupus diagnosis
• Take a minimum of nine credits per semester and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA

The scholarship funds are sent directly to the school. The deadline for the application is May 31st. The online application is available here.

Maxine Manara Memorial Scholarship

The Lupus Alliance of Long Island/Queens offers the Maxine Manara Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship benefits people with lupus and young adults with parents that are diagnosed with lupus. To qualify, students must:

• Reside in Suffolk, Nassau or Queens, New York
• Demonstrate financial need
• Must be a member, in good standing, with the Lupus Alliance
• Participate in Lupus Foundation fundraising events

Students who apply for this scholarship must be enrolled in or accepted to a college, university or trade school. Proof of income and a copy of the FAFSA form should be submitted with the application. The minimum award amount is $500. The deadline for this scholarship is July 25th. The application can be downloaded here.

Scholarships for Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors

Living with cancer is difficult for anyone. It is exceptionally difficult for high school and college students. These awards help students attain their dream of an education and reduce the financial burden that a post-secondary education can create. The scholarships applaud the students that do not let this obstacle prevent them from seeking their dreams.

Cancer for College

This scholarship was started by Craig Pollard as his senior project while he was at USC Business School. He is a two-time cancer survivor and a double amputee. The Cancer for College Scholarship is meant to encourage cancer survivors and help alleviate the financial burden of cancer. The one-time scholarship provide between $250 and $4,000. All students that apply must be U.S. residents and attend school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. California residents and applicants that intend to go to school in California are given first priority. The application period is from October 1st and February 1st. The awards are distributed in July and must be applied to the fall/spring semester of the upcoming year. Anyone interested in applying for this scholarship can find more information at Cancerforcollege.org.

Cancer Survivors’ Fund

The Cancer Survivors’ Fund Scholarship is granted to college students that have cancer. The award is granted based on the financial need and personal hardship. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Must be a cancer survivor or currently diagnosed with cancer
• Be enrolled or accepted in an undergraduate school
• Submit a copy of an acceptance letter or a letter of good standing from the school’s registrar office
• Essay about how cancer has impacted the applicant’s life and career goals
• A letter from a physician that verifies the medical condition

Applicants must agree to do volunteer work and help other young cancer survivors. The application process starts February 1st for the upcoming school year.

Youth Cancer Survivor College Scholarship

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the scholarship is for students that have a history of cancer. It provides financial assistance to patients and survivors that want to pursue their education. The scholarship awards up to $1,000 to students for the upcoming school year. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Ohio and live in Columbiana, Erie, Turnbull or Mahoning County
• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be diagnosed with cancer before they are 21 years old
• Applicants must be under the age of 25 at the time of the application

The completed application needs to be submitted by March 30th. It application package must include standardized test scores, copy of transcript, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Priority is given to first-time applicants, but previous recipients can reapply.

Miles of Hope Scholarship

The Miles of Hope Scholarship gives assistance to high school students that have been affected by breast cancer. There are eight awards given annually. Each award is worth $1,000. Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Live in New York State and reside in Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Westchester and Columbia counties
• Be a high school student that graduates by June of the year the scholarship is awarded
• Plan on attending an accredited college or trade school

The application deadline is April 1st. The application needs to be accompanied with letters of recommendation, parent or guardian’s tax return, copy of transcripts and completed financial aid form. Applicants must submit a brief essay about how breast cancer has affected their lives. Click here for the Miles of Hope Scholarship application.

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation Scholarship

The NCCF Scholarship program was designed to help cancer survivors and patients continue their education. The award grants several students $1,000 scholarships. While this is a one-time award, previous winners can reapply each year. Here are the eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be a cancer survivor or patient
• Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident

Applicants are evaluated on their commitment to education and positive attitude towards their cancer experience. The other criteria that will be judged include the essay and financial need. The application deadline is May 18th. The completed application can be mailed or submitted electronically.

Ryan Mullally Second Chance Fund

This scholarship offers assistance to students with lymphoma. It provides a scholarship for students whose cancer may prevent them from qualifying for other types of scholarships. To qualify for this scholarship, students must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be diagnosed with lymphoma or recurrence of lymphoma between the age of 13 and their high school graduation
• Be receiving treatment for lymphoma while in high school
• Be a current, graduating high school senior
• Plan on attending a vocational school, trade school or bachelor’s degree program
• Provide proof of their lymphoma diagnosis

Each award is for $1,000. Previous winners are not eligible to re-apply. The deadline for the application is July 31st.

Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation sponsors the Scholarship for Survivors program. The scholarship is for people under the age of 25 that has been treated or diagnosed with cancer. To be eligible, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be under the age of 25
• Students pursuing an associate’s degree must intend to complete their bachelor’s education
• Submit an essay about how their diagnosis has affected their lives
• Provide a copy of an acceptance letter from a college or university
• Submit an official transcript
• Submit completed finance form and copy of tax returns

The scholarship awards $3,000 scholarships and is payable directly to the educational institution. Recipients must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA, be enrolled full-time and complete 20 hours of community service. Click here to download the application.

Cystic Fibrosis Scholarships

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive track. Many students have to overcome the physical challenges that this disease presents, while achieving academic success. These scholarships recognize that effort.

Exercise for Life Athletic Scholarship Program

Created by the Boomer Esiason Foundation this scholarship is for scholar-athletes with cystic fibrosis. The $10,000 awards are given to a female and male high school senior. Candidates should show financial need and academic achievement. The applicant must also demonstrate athletic running ability, daily participation in cystic fibrosis therapy, leadership skills and a commitment to community service. The following documents must be provided to be considered for this award:

• BEFL training log
• A one-page essay on the importance of exercise and compliance
• A recent photo
• Recent W2 documents from both parents
• High school transcript
• Letter of acceptance to a college

The applications must be postmarked by June 20th. Click here for the application, waiver and training log.

Scholarship for the Arts Scholarship

This scholarship is also sponsored by the Boomer Esiason Foundation. The Scholarship for the Arts benefits students that are enrolled in or plan to enroll in college. Candidates are required to submit an essay, letter from a physician that confirms their cystic fibrosis diagnosis and high school or college transcript. The applicant must also include a copy of their parent’s W2 forms and list of tuition costs. The application deadline for this scholarship is in May.

The Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation (CFSF)

This scholarship program is for students that will enroll in an undergraduate or vocational school. The awards are given based on financial need, leadership, community service and academic achievement. The award is sent directly to the intuition. There is an application for high school and college students that are currently enrolled in school. Award candidates need to submit the following:

• Copies of their tax return information
• A doctor’s note verifying the applicant’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis
• High school transcript
• College or vocational school transcript
• Letters of recommendation

The award grants students $1,000 scholarships. The acceptance of application begins in January and all applications must be postmarked by March 24th. Applicants are notified about a decision in April.

The Living Breath Foundation Scholarship

This award is for students with cystic fibrosis that high school seniors or are currently and college. The scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,000. To qualify for this award, students must:

• Be U.S. citizens
• Must plan to enroll in a two or four –year college
• Must demonstrate scholastic achievement, leadership, community service and financial need

Applications must be postmarked no later June 1st. Students that are interested in applying for this scholarship should visit The Living Breath Foundation Scholarship website.

Elizabeth Lulu Scholarship Foundation

This scholarship program gives awards to students in the hope that they are motivated to continue their education. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship must submit a copy of their transcript, a recent transcript, a recent photo and a letter from their doctor confirming their diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The application packet must also include three letters of reference. The scholarship is for students wanting to attend a college or university. The application is due by April 12th. For more information about the Elizabeth Lulu Scholarship, click here.

Elizabeth Nash Foundation

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation awards scholarships to students that are living with cystic fibrosis that want to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies. The grants range from $1,000 to $2,500. The eligibility criteria is as follows:

• The applicant must be accepted to or currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university
• Must be a U.S.citizen

The scholarship committee takes into consideration the applicant’s financial need, character, academic record and service to cystic fibrosis causes. Applicants are also required to submit an essay, letter of recommendation from a teacher and a letter that confirms their diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. In addition to the above, applicants must also submit a copy of their FAFSA form and information regarding the tuition fees of their school. The application deadline is April 9th. Scholarship notification is made in June. The awards are for one year, but scholarship recipients may reapply. Click here to apply for this scholarship.

Scholarships for Students with Hydrocephalus or Multiple Sclerosis

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition that is caused by the buildup of fluid inside the brain. The excessive fluid puts pressure on the brain that can cause problems with the way the brain functions. The Hydrocephalus Association offers nine scholarships for students with that have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. The nine scholarships are primarily funded by family endowments and donations. Each scholarship is for $1,000. The scholarships include:

• Morris L. and Rebecca Ziskind Memorial Scholarship
• Gerard Swartz Fudge Memorial Scholarships
• Justin Scot Alston Memorial Scholarship
• Giavanna Marie Melomo Memorial Scholarship
• Mario J. Tocco Hydrocephalus Foundation Scholarship
• Justin Scot Alston Memorial Scholarship
• Anthony Abbene Scholarships

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 17 years and older
• The scholarship award must be used for a four year college, a junior college, technical or trade school, or post-graduate program

National MS Society Scholarship Program

This scholarship provides financial aid to students that are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or students who have parents with multiple sclerosis. The minimum scholarship amount awarded is $1,000. The maximum award students can receive is $3,000. Students are eligible for this award if they meet the following criteria:

• Must be high school seniors or high school graduates whose parents are diagnosed with MS
• Or, Be high school students or high school graudates that are diagnosed with MS
• Must intend to attend post-secondary school for the first-time

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents that live in the U.S. or any of its territories. The applicant must plan to enroll in an accredited college or university, vocational or technical school that is in the U.S. Candidates must also take a minimum of six credit hours. The applications are available online after October. The due date for applications is in mid-January. Applications are only accepted online. Individuals that previously received this award cannot reapply.

Ashtma and Allergy Scholarships

AAFA-TX Kareem Bacchus Memorial Scholarship

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Texas Chapter, sponsors the Kareem Bacchus Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship offers three $1,500 awards. The scholarships are available to students with a history of asthma and demonstrate financial need.

The applicant needs to submit a physician’s statement that verifies their allergies and submit a personal statement. The scholarships application needs to be postmarked by March 31st.

Berri Holbert Mitchell College Scholarship

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America sponsors the Berri Mitchell Scholarship. The scholarship gives grants to students that reside in Kansas and western Missouri.

To be eligible, students be high school seniors that have a history of allergies and asthma. The student must also demonstrate academic success and participate in their school and community. The scholarship applications are available in November.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is to assist high school seniors that reside in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine,

Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts that have allergies or suffer from asthma.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be high school seniors
• Students must have an excellent academic record and participate in extra-curricular activities.

The application package must include a one-page essay, official school transcript and letters of recommendation. Applications should be postmarked by February 29th.

Scholarships for Students with Diabetes

The Diabetes Scholars Foundation Scholars Foundation offers several scholarships for freshman students that enroll in an accredited four year university, college, trade or technical school. The scholarships are not based on financial need. However, eligible students do have to meet the following criteria:

• Be high school seniors with Type 1 diabetes
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must have contributed to diabetes research or advocacy
• Demonstrate strong, academic performance
• Participate in extracurricular activities or be involved in the community
• Submit a letter a physician stating that the applicant is managing their diabetes

The application package needs to include a letter of recommendation and a personal essay. The applications must be received by May 15th. Electronic submissions are not accepted. The general application is used in consideration for the following scholarships:

• Five students will be awarded $5,000 awards
• The Josh Smith Memorial Scholarship awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student that lives in Ohio
• The Bradley D. Gendron Memorial Scholarship grants a $1,000 scholarship to a student living in Colorado
• Student pursuing arts degrees may qualify for the Jay Franke Scholarship (one $5,000 and one $3,500 award)
• The JDRF Medical/Research Scholarship is gives two $1,000 scholarships to students majoring in Healthcare
• The JDRF Advocacy Scholarship awards a $1,000 to a student majoring in Political Science
• The JDRF Outreach Scholarship grants a $1,000 scholarship to a student majoring in Psychology/Social Work
• The JDRF Rising Star Scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshmen with Type 1 diabetes
• The Spibelt Athletic Scholarship gives one student athlete a $1,000 scholarship
• The Megaw Family Scholarship awards a $2,500 to a student majoring in Science
• The Nicky Randazzo Memorial Scholarship gives a $3,200 scholarship to students majoring in Business
• The Phil Sutherland Scholarship grants a $1,000 award to a student athlete

The Greater Northwest Ohio Diabetes Association Scholarships

This association offers several scholarships to help students with diabetes continue their education. To be eligible, students must be high school seniors or college students that are diagnose with diabetes. The students must reside in the following Ohio counties: Seneca, Hancock, Putnam, Wood, Hardin and Wyandot. The scholarships range from $250 to $1000 per person. The awards can be renewed annually. The applications are available starting in January and should be completed by March 31st.

Scholarships for Students with Hearing Impairments

This category of scholarships assist student that are deaf or suffer from a diagnosed case of profound hearing loss. These scholarships help students remove the financial barrier that may students face when they seek a college education. The awards give students who have overcome their disability the opportunity to improve their lives through education.

The Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship

Sertoma offers the Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship to student with hearing impairments that wish to pursue a four-year college education. The scholarship funds help to cover tuition, books and supplies.

To qualify students must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Maintain a minimum of a 3.2 GPA
• Must have a minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss

The deadline for the scholarship application is May 1st. Completed applications need to include two letters of recommendation, high school or college transcript and a recent audiogram. Award recipients are notified in June. For more information about this scholarship, click here.

The AG Bell College Scholarship Program

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing sponsors the AG Bell College Scholarship Program. This scholarship is for hearing impaired students that want to receive their bachelor’s, masters or doctorate degree at an accredited school.

To be eligible:

• Listening and spoken language must be the applicant’s primary means of communication
• The applicant’s hearing loss must be bilateral and range from being moderate to severe in nature
• U.S. and non-U.S. applicants must have a 3.25 GPA. Students from the U.K., Australia, and India must have a minimum of an upper second class ranking.

The application deadline is March 1st. For more information about this scholarship and its application, click here.

Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for students that have significant bilateral hearing loss. To qualify students must have at least a 50dB, unaided, hearing loss in both ears. Financial need is not required, but students that demonstrated need will increase their chances of receiving this scholarship.

The scholarships can be used for undergraduate and graduate schools. The scholarship acceptance period is from January 1st to May 26th. The application must include the following documents:

• High school or college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Documentation of hearing loss
• First two pages of income tax return

Click here for more information about the scholarship and application.

Scholarships for the Visually Impaired

These scholarships are designed to assist students that are blind or any other type of visual impairment. These awards often help students pursue their education at colleges, universities or vocational schools.

The National Federation of the Blind Scholarships

The National Federation of the Blind(NFB) sponsors thirty scholarships that range from $3,000 to $12,000. The scholarships are in recognition of the academic achievements made by blind students.

To qualify for these scholarships, all applicants must meet the eligibility requirements:

• Must be legally blind
• Must reside in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
• Plan to enroll as a full-time student in a post-secondary school or, be working full-time while attending school on a part-time basis
• Submit two letters of recommendation, official transcript, and proof of blindness
• Must participate in the NFB convention and its scheduled scholarship program events

The application acceptance period begins on November 1st. All materials must be received by March 3st. Students are required to participate in an interview with NFB committee member. Winners of the awards are notified in April. Click here for more information.

The Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program

The Association of Blind Citizens offers three $1,000 scholarships to legally blind students that want to pursue their college degree. The scholarships funds are applied to the tuition, living expenses or expenses that are related to blind.

Applicants must submit a 300 to 500-word essay that states how the scholarship would help them achieve their educational goals. A high school or college transcript, two letters of recommendation, a certificate of legal blindness or ophthalmologist’s letter, and a copy of the essay on disk.

To qualify students must:

• Be legally blind
• Be a U.S. resident
• Reside in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire or Connecticut
• Provide proof of acceptance to a college, university or vocational program

The application acceptance period begins December 31st. All submissions must be received by April 15th. For more information about this scholarship and the application, click here.

American Foundation for the Blind

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers several scholarships to blind college students. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,500. To qualify for these awards students must:

• Submit official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of legal blindness
• Submit an essay

Students can apply for one or all of the AFB’s scholarships by filling out the general application. It should be noted that some of the scholarships may require the submissions of additional materials. Students may choose to apply for the following scholarships:

• Delta Gamma Memorial Scholarship
• Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship
• Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship
• R.L. Gillette Scholarship
• Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
• Ferdinand Torres Scholarship

The deadline for this scholarship is April 30th. Click here for the scholarship application and more information.

Scholarships for Students with Autism or Aspberger’s Syndrome

Students with autism spectrum disorder or aspberger’s syndrome can have a hard time continuing on to their post-secondary education. These students often have difficulty making social connections and handling everyday tasks. Receiving a scholarship eliminates the need for students with this disorder to worry about paying for their education.

Schwallie Family Scholarship Program

The Schwallie Family Scholarship is sponsored by the Organization For Autism Research. The scholarship awards recipients a $3,000 scholarship in three categories:

• Four-year undergraduate college or university
• Two-year undergraduate college
• Trade, technical or vocational school

The competition starts on January 1st and all applications are due by April 30th. The online applications and all supporting materials are reviewed by a committee. The committee assesses the applicants based on financial need, future aspirations and the challenges the applicant has to overcome.

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Individual must have a diagnosis of autism or aspberger’s syndrome
• Plan on attending an accredited institution of higher learning in the fall semester
• Enrolled at least part-time

Scholarship awards are announced in July. The application is available online.

General Disabilities Scholarships

Not all scholarships are designed for students that are diagnosed with specific types of disabilities. Some scholarships are general disability scholarships. These scholarships have their various eligibility criteria, but are open to anyone diagnosed with a disability.

Google Lime Scholarship

Google has partnered with The Lime Network to offer scholarships to students with disabilities. These scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic background and strong interest in computer science.

To be eligible, students must:

• be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field
• Have a strong academic record
• Student must have a disability
• Be a sophomore or junior enrolled in a college in the United States or Canada

The scholarship applications are available in the fall of each year. To apply, students must be a part of the Lime Network. Applicants must also provide the following:

• Current transcripts and resume
• Two essays
• Two letters of recommendation

The scholarship awards $10,000 U.S. dollars to U.S. students and $5,000 CAD to Canadian students. To apply for this scholarship, visit The Lime Network’s website.

Incight Education Scholarship

This program grants scholarships to a maximum of 100 students each year. The scholarship awards range from between $500 and $2,500. Recipients of these scholarships need to demonstrate a commitment to their community and overcoming obstacles. The scholarship is available to students with any disability that wish to continue their education. The application for this scholarship are available in September.

John Weir Scholarship

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living awards the John Weir Scholarship to students with a disability. The scholarships awards vary from $50 to $450. Although these are one-time scholarships, one student receives a $500 scholarship with the opportunity to receive additional awards throughout college.

Students must submit the online application form, a letter of recommendation and essay. For consideration, all of the materials need to be submitted in February.

Financing a college education is a concern for the majority of students. However, students with disabilities often have to overcome their disabilities, any financial burden that their disabilities may cause and find a way to find their education. These scholarships exist for college and high school students as a way to encourage students to want to succeed and reward them for their perseverance. Regular scholarships may have requirements that some students with disabilities are unable to meet. These specialized scholarships create opportunities for disabled students. There are variety of scholarships for many students and a variety of disabilities. Most importantly, these scholarships help give students the chance to achieve their goals.

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