In a world that is in a desperate desire to balance equality and inclusivity, access to education is now seen to be one of the most important fundamentals of human rights for all. Governments especially in developed countries are making sure that their law welcomes both healthy and disabled individuals (mentally or physically).
However, it’s not all rosy in the academic world, especially at the higher institutions where we see a high rate of tuition fees and other expenses. We won’t say that only those living with disability are facing this increase but we know that it’s easier for a healthy student to get a brilliant academic performance required by most schools than a disabled student.
Fortunately, many organizations have also recognized this and have decided to create several physical disability scholarships that are exclusively for them. In this scenario, when they are competing it is fairer, and the same is applicable to mental health scholarships, or even free financial assistance for those living with eating disorders.
Moreover, if you’re an international student who intends to enroll in the U.S., then we would advise you to visit these scholarships for disabled students.
In this blog, we’ll be showcasing different kinds of scholarships whether you intend to start a bachelor’s degree, enroll in master’s, or postgraduate studies in college or university.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Physical Disability Scholarships
1. Google Lime Scholarship
Organizations providing scholarships always have one thing in common, to ensure that their financial assistance aligns with their vision and mission. It also applies here, these scholarships are not only for physically disabled students but those pursuing a STEM-related degree that aligns with one of Google’s missions.
Award: $10,000 for those studying in the US and $5,000 for those studying in Canada
Eligibility: Applicants must be current undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. students enrolled at a university in the U.S. or Canada, who maintain strong academic performance, and have a visible or invisible disability.
2. Snowden Trust Grants
The Snowden Trust provides several physical disability scholarships which can help to pay disability-related study costs.
Award: up to £5,000
Eligibility: Candidates of any nation can apply as long as they are studying or applying to study in the UK, and must be at least 16 years old and diagnosed with a physical condition, long-term illness, or learning difference.
3. 1800wheelchair Scholarship Fund
This scholarship or contest is all about using your visual poetry to explore the challenges and triumphs of wheelchair mobility.
Award: $500 each recipient
Number of Recipients: 1 or 2 recipients depending on funds available
Eligibility: Applicants have to either be in their final year of high school or enrolled at the undergraduate or graduate level with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
4. The Elaine Chapin Fund
In honor of Elaine Chapin who passed away after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, this scholarship was created. The scholarship will be awarded to students who have been impacted by multiple sclerosis and still desire to further their post-secondary education.
Award: physical disability scholarships of up to $1000
Number of Recipients: Varies
Eligibility: Candidates must be residents of the Saint Louis, Missouri region, demonstrate financial need, have good academic standing, and must be citizens of the U.S. Applicants also must intend to enroll or are enrolled at higher institutions.
5. Joe Cleres and Don Sage Scholarship Program
New Outlook Pioneers is proud to provide this scholarship for students with a disability whether mentally or physically challenged. The application may be made either by the physically or mentally challenged student or by someone on their behalf.
6. Allina Health – Melvin and Sally Mooty Scholarship
Award: Maximum of $2,500 which can be used on tuition, books, and classroom materials.
Eligibility: The applicant can either have a sensory impairment or physical disability, must be a U.S. citizen, a Minnesota resident, must demonstrate financial need, and enrolled as an undergraduate student or in a technical college in an accredited institution.
7. Texas A&M Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Texas A&M provides several physical disability scholarships which have varying award amounts and eligibility, they include;
- Carter Logan Crews Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)
- Howard Allen Johnson ’79 Endowed Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
- Lott-Sadow-Cleveland Scholarship ($5000)
- Scott & Nancy Miller Memorial Scholarship ($2,500)
- Susie Kendall ’03 Endowed Scholarship in Agricultural Development
8. University of Missouri Disability Center Scholarships
The University of Missouri provides both the Frank Hodges Jr. Physical Disability Scholarship Fund for Existing Students and the Frank Hodges Jr. Physical Disability Scholarship Fund for Incoming Students. Both of them have different eligibility requirements and different prize ranges.
9. Tamara Gordon Foundation Scholarship
Award: from $750 to $3000
Eligibility: This scholarship is eligible to Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants with a permanent physical disability residing in the province of Ontario who are enrolled in a program at an Ontario University. Applicants also need to be Grade 12 students in the province of Ontario, or students already enrolled in a post-secondary program who have financial needs with a good academic record.
10. Easter Seals Ontario Post-Secondary Scholarship
Award: Varies
Number of Recipients: Varies
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must have a physical disability that impacts their mobility and must be pursuing post-secondary education. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
11. Richard and Marjorie Schneidman Fund
This scholarship is awarded to students intending to enroll or already enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania who have documented physical disabilities and demonstrated financial need.
12. Disabled Veteran Student Scholarship
Whitefield Bryson LLP is proud to provide two (2) physical disability scholarships for disabled veterans to help pay for tuition at any accredited four-year university.
Award: $1,000
Number of Recipients: 2
Eligibility: It’s worth noting you must not be enrolled at college or university at the time of application, but the scholarship must be used within one year of the award. Applicants must be veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who have a disability rating of 30% or higher.
13. 180 Medical Scholarship Program
Award: $1,000
Number of Recipients: 7
Eligibility: Applicants must either be living with specific medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or an ostomy. Must also be legal residents of the U.S. and Accepted to a two-year, four-year, or graduate school program full-time.
14. ABC Law Centers Cerebral Palsy Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Number of Recipients: 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be living with cerebral palsy, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be enrolled at an institution of higher education in the United States.
15. Avacare Medical Scholarship
Award: $1000
Number of Recipients: 1
Eligibility: To be considered, you must be a Citizen of the United States or in possession of an Alien Registration Card who is a High school senior or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 pursuing a degree in the medical field. Preference will be given to students with a physical disability.
16. Karman Mobility Disability Scholarship
Award: $500
Number of Recipients: 2
Eligibility: The applicant must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the U.S. who is sixteen (16) years or older, living with a mobility disability. The applicant must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
17. Jackson-stricks Scholarship
Award: $5,000 and $10,000 respectively
Number of Recipients: 2
Eligibility: Candidates must either live with physical challenges that affect mobility, vision, or hearing and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the New York Metropolitan Area.
Key Takeaway
These physical disability scholarships don’t only provide financial assistance to recipients, but they are also proof of how the world is for individuals regardless of their mental or physical abilities. They also motivate physically disabled students to pursue their dream careers.
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