Best Scholarships for Students with Disabilities in 2024

About Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates universities and post-secondary schools to provide equal access to higher education for students with disabilities. By accommodating the needs of their disabled students and providing the appropriate educational resources and services, students with disabilities can pursue higher education in a more accessible way.

Several colleges have initiated recruitment strategies and established financial aid programs specifically for students with disabilities. In addition, a variety of private organizations grant scholarships aimed at supporting students with disabilities and assisting them in overcoming challenges such as learning disabilities, environmental hurdles, or health complications to achieve their academic goals in higher education.

An excellent source to save money is scholarships. Bold.org has a plethora of scholarships for students. Create a Bold.org profile and use the scholarship search feature to access hundreds of exclusive scholarships, including exclusive grants to pay off student loans.

What Is a Disability Scholarship?

A disability scholarship is a type of scholarship focused on providing financial aid to students with disabilities who are pursuing their college education. This type of scholarship is meant to assist students with disabilities to pay for their college tuition and educational expenses so that they're able to complete their degrees.

There are many opportunities that award scholarships to support students with disabilities. The top five disabilities reported to college institutions by undergraduate students are learning disabilities, ADHD, psychiatric disabilities, mental or physical disabilities, health/chronic disabilities, and mobility restrictions.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, approximately 21% of undergraduate students and 11% of postgraduate students indicated that they have a disability.

Types of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

The types of available scholarships for disabled students can vary based on the scholarship's eligibility criteria. There are more general scholarships that disabled students can be eligible for and apply for. General scholarships are usually either essay or no-essay scholarships.

No-essay scholarships are typically the easiest to apply for since they require less time and effort on the applicant’s part. However, that means that no-essay scholarships are also easy for everyone else to apply for.

You may have a better chance with essay scholarships where you can write about your personal experience with your specific type of impairment or disability. See the Bold.org Best Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay for suggestions on how to make your scholarship essays better.

Look for scholarships specifically for your state or scholarships specifically available to those pursuing a certain major. Some scholarships have additional qualifications such as academic excellence, gender identity, race, age, etc. Some scholarships are for specific education levels and can be exclusively for high school students, high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. Always make sure to check the requirements before spending time on your application.

If you're pursuing or plan to pursue an accredited college or vocational school, trade school, or community college, apply for scholarships for students with disabilities to reduce your college costs and make higher education more affordable.

Best Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Many federal aid scholarships exist to provide disabled students with financial assistance. Whether you are a high school senior or graduate student earning your bachelor's degree or graduate degree, you may benefit from these scholarships for disabled students that can help you fund your post-secondary education so you can reach your academic goals.

Here are some of the best scholarships for disabled students exclusively on Bold.org with upcoming deadlines:

Scholarships for High School Students with Disabilities

• Scholarships for High School Freshmen
• Scholarships for High School Sophomores
• Scholarships for High School Juniors
• Scholarships for High School Seniors
• Scholarships for High School Students

Scholarships for Disabled College Students

• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Scholarships for College Freshmen
• Scholarships for College Sophomores
• Scholarships for College Juniors
• Scholarships for College Seniors
• Scholarships for Community College
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Graduate Students
• MBA Scholarships
• PhD Scholarships 
• Master's Degree Scholarships

Scholarships for Disabled Veterans

Many military veterans who decide to pursue post-secondary education may have a documented disability that can affect their learning and require accommodation. In 19-2020, 28% of undergraduate student veterans and 20% of graduate student veterans reported having a disability.

For any disabled veterans pursuing higher education who are in need of financial aid, you can also consider applying for military scholarships on Bold.org that may be applicable to you.

1. Military Scholarships
2. Veteran Scholarships

A scholarship program may offer an annual scholarship or a one-time award. Be sure to read the scholarship description to understand fully the scholarship you wish to apply for.

Common Support Measures for Students with Disabilities

Institutions of higher education typically offer support services to students who disclose their disabilities and seek accommodations. The most commonly offered accommodations included:

• Modified exam formats or extended time for exams
• Tutoring support for coursework
• Services like reading assistance, note-taking, or transcription
• Help with registration or the option for early registration
• Specialized equipment or assistive technology
• Audiobooks
• Interpretation services for sign language
• Alternatives to standard course requirements, such as course substitutions or exemptions

How to Apply for Disability Scholarships

Applying for disability scholarships involves several steps designed to help students with disabilities secure financial support for their education. Here's a general guide on how to go about it:

Research Scholarships

Start by researching scholarships specifically designed for students with disabilities. Look for scholarships offered by universities, non-profit organizations, foundations, and government agencies. Websites dedicated to scholarship searches and disability advocacy groups can be valuable resources.

Understand Eligibility Criteria

Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Carefully review these requirements to ensure you qualify. Criteria may include the type of disability, academic achievements, area of study, and financial need.

Gather Required Documentation

Most scholarships will require documentation of your disability. This could include medical records, a doctor's note, or documentation from a school counselor or disability services office. Make sure to have these documents ready and ensure they are up-to-date.

Prepare Your Application Materials

In addition to the application form, you might need to prepare other materials such as a personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume. Tailor these materials to highlight your experience as a person with a disability and how that has shaped your academic and personal achievements.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement or essay is a chance to tell your story and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Be honest and open about your challenges and successes as a student with a disability.

Apply Early

Pay attention to application deadlines and try to submit your applications early. This will give you enough time to address any issues that might arise during the application process.

Remember, applying for scholarships can be a competitive process, so apply for as many as you qualify for to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

Applying for Bold.org Scholarships

Creating a profile on Bold.org is the first step to applying for scholarships. On your Bold.org profile, it is easy to find scholarships for students with disabilities. Using the filters, you can sort through the site's available scholarships by the 'Disability' category or click on one of the disability scholarships listed on this page. Once you find available scholarships that you are eligible for, you can start the application process.

Select one scholarship that suits you and read through the description to find useful information like the eligibility requirements, the application deadline, selection criteria, and required materials.

You may even have to submit an essay based on a given topic. Be sure to put time and effort into your scholarship essays. Finding scholarships that best fit your experience can help make your essay more personal. Be diligent in the quality of your submissions and how you present yourself, as it can make all the difference.

The application process is simple and conducted at your own pace. If you wish to complete the application process at a later time, the bookmark tool allows you to save scholarships so you can return later.

To apply, simply click the 'Apply Now' button once you've completed the application materials, and you'll be entered into the scholarship.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Targeted Scholarship Search

Initiate your quest by identifying scholarships specifically designed for students with disabilities. These scholarships often recognize the unique challenges you've faced and value the diverse perspectives you bring. Understanding the eligibility criteria and objectives of each scholarship can help you find the best matches for your personal situation.

Showcase Your Journey

In your application essays, shine a light on your experiences, focusing on how your disability has contributed to your personal growth, resilience, and determination. Share stories of overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, and the lessons learned along the way, as these narratives can resonate strongly with scholarship committees.

Strategic Recommendations

Seek out letters of recommendation from individuals who not only know you academically or professionally but also understand the nuances of your disability and how you've navigated related challenges. These letters should reflect your strengths, adaptability, and the positive traits you've developed through your experiences.

Organized Application Process

Diligently track scholarship deadlines and required materials to ensure timely and complete submissions. Utilize calendars, reminder apps, or planning tools to organize your application tasks, preventing any last-minute rushes or missed opportunities.

By employing these strategies, you can effectively convey your unique story and qualifications, positioning yourself as a compelling candidate for scholarships that acknowledge and celebrate the strengths and capabilities of students with disabilities.

Additional Resources for Students with Disabilities

National Center for College Students with Disabilities Clearinghouse

The NCCSD stands as the sole national center in the United States that receives federal funding to offer information and resources specifically tailored for prospective and current college students with disabilities. This includes individuals enrolled in part-time and graduate-level programs.

National Resources for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

DREAM (Disability Rights, Education Activism, and Mentoring) is a nationwide organization led by and serving college students with disabilities. It operates under the umbrella of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities, which receives federal funding and is situated within the Institute for Community Integration at the University of Minnesota.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the well-being of those with learning and attention difficulties. The organization aims to support people with learning disabilities in achieving success in education, employment, and broader life experiences.

Visit our Scholarship Blog to learn about different nursing schools, nursing scholarships, and more! To apply for disability scholarships, create a free Bold.org profile today!