This blog post gives detailed information on the various scholarships for visually impaired students. Students who are visually impaired will find this article interesting because it gives information on the scholarships, requirements, and how to apply for them.
Visual impairment is described as any kind of vision loss or the inability to see to a certain degree that causes problems that cannot be corrected by using glasses. It is also referred to as the complete or partial loss of one’s ability to see.
To be legally visually impaired, the individual, the individual must have visual acuity of 20/200 or less or have a field vision restricted to 20 degrees or less at the widest point.
Visual impairment can be categorized into three groups according to their level of functional vision. They include:
- Low vision
- Functionally blind
- Totally blind
Demographics obtained from the American Foundation for the blind 2009 report that there are:
- 93,600 students who are visually impaired or blind
- 55,200 students who are legally blind
- 5,500 Braille readers
Because it is through sight that what we learn is received and processed, one major characteristic that every student with visual impairment possesses is the limited ability to learn from their environment. As a result, visually impaired students need special kinds of teaching and learning techniques.
Many visually impaired students find it difficult to afford the fees of most of the special schools due to their high cost.
That is why scholarships for visually impaired students are made available yearly to help these students reach any academic height that they really wish to reach.
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Why Are There Special Scholarships For Visually Impaired Persons?
There are scholarships for visually impaired persons because the majority find it difficult to afford the tuition fees for their college career choice if they choose to further their education.
Many scholarships have been put in place to help provide a supporting hand to the visually impaired. This support goes a long way in making sure that they achieve their long dream of getting quality and top-notch education.
Approximately 3,000 dollars worth of scholarships is offered by the Association of Blind Citizens each school year. These funds can be used for tuition or expenses incurred as a result of the student’s visual impairment.
How to Find Scholarships For Visually Impaired
Finding scholarships for the blind is not so tasking. All one needs to do is use the right resources and get the right information.
There are academic resources like Internships, Social and Networking Groups, Professional Associations, and Organizations that are dedicated to helping visually impaired students meet their career goals.
Some of these organizations include Bookshare, Humana College Programs, Blinded and Sighted People with Iphones, Lime Connect, American Council of The Blind (ACB), National Federation of The Blind and so many others.
These Organizations are also on various social media platforms. Joining them in their discussions and meeting can go a long way in getting legit information about these scholarships and how to apply for them.
Also being a part of these organizations is an added advantage to the individual as the members of the organization are most times considered for such scholarship opportunities first before others.
Scholarships For Visually Impaired
- ACB Scholarship program
- Blinded Veterans Association Scholarships
- Chicago Lighthouse Scholarship Program
- Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
- The Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarship
- The Lavelle-Brother Kearney Scholarship Program
- Lighthouse Guild Scholarship
- Lime connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors
- NFB Scholarship Program
- USABA Scholarship Program
- Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program
- Georgia Council of the Blind Scholarship
- The Jewish Guild for the Blind Guild Scholar Program
- Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
- George Washington University Scholarship
1. ACB Scholarship program
The American Council of the Blind Scholarship program established in 1982 is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students. It is awarded to them to support their post-secondary education and financial needs.
The scholarship is worth 2,000 to 7,500 dollars and it covers tuition fees, room and board, and other additional costs associated with adaptive technology.
To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind, have a CGPA of 3.0, and be a full-time student who participates in their school or community services.
To apply, the applicants should bring a certification of legal blindness from an ophthalmologist, a transcript from the current school, two letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance from high school attended.
The application is done online through the official website of ACB.
2. Blinded Veterans Association Scholarships
The Blinded Veterans Association Scholarships is a US Non-Profit Organization that helps veterans meet the challenges of blindness. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
It is open to legally blinded military, veterans, their children, grandchildren, and spouses. The scholarship is worth 1,000 to 2,000 dollars annually.
To be eligible, applicants must be accepted for admission in a full-time course at a University or Vocational training school, must provide high school or college transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a 300 essay on the applicant’s life and career goals.
To apply, applicants should visit the organization’s official website for detailed information on how to apply for the scholarship.
3. Chicago Lighthouse Scholarship Program
Chicago Lighthouse Scholarship Program awards scholarships to Chicago Lighthouse employees especially those who are disabled and or veterans. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, educational resources, and accommodation. Since its establishment in 2004, the scholarship program has awarded over 750 scholarships.
To be eligible, applicants must provide a personal essay, financial statement of need, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
To apply, upload the required documents and email them to the required email.
4. Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
Fred Scheigart Scholarship Program awards scholarships to three bright students yearly. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship is worth 3,000 dollars and to be eligible applicants must provide a copy of the transcript for their current school, two letters of recommendation, verification of low vision, and a letter of acceptance from a previous school.
To apply, applicants are expected to create an account using the official link of the scholarship, then log in to have access to the scholarship.
5. The Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarship
The Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarship is open to visually impaired U.S high school students or colleges. It is awarded to improve the lives of visually impaired persons and life around them.
The scholarship is worth 1,000 dollars. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
To apply, applicants should visit the official website of the foundation for detailed information on how to apply for the scholarship.
6. The Lavelle-Brother Kearney Scholarship Program
The Lavelle-Brother Kearney Scholarship Program provides scholarships for eligible blind and visually impaired college students. The program is designed to provide financial assistance for blind applicants. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
To be eligible, the applicants must be a legal resident of the United States, have financial eligibility, and study at one of the 12 participating colleges and universities in the Tri-State New York area.
To apply, applicants must be accepted into The Lavelle-Brother Kearney Scholarship Program, and complete the federal FAFSA form.
7. Lighthouse Guild Scholarship
Lighthouse Guild Scholarship offers up to 17 scholarships to outstanding high school students who are legally blind and residents of the United States. It is one of the scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, funds for study materials, and travel fees.
To be eligible, applicants should provide legal proof of blindness, proof of US citizenship, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and write a personal statement of 500 words or fewer.
To apply visit the official website of the organization for detailed information on how to apply for the scholarship.
8. Lime connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors
Lime connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors is open for bright students who are visually impaired but wish to study for their chosen career fields. It is a merit-based scholarship and one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students,
The scholarship is worth 1,000 dollars and is used to fund the academic requirements.
To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind, must be a current graduating high school senior, and be accepted to study a 4-year course in a university in Canada or US.
To apply, visit the official website of the organization below for detailed information on the scholarship and how to apply.
9. NFB Scholarship Program
The National Association of the Blind Scholarship Program is one of the highest scholarships for visually impaired students awarded yearly. The scholarships are awarded based on outstanding academic excellence, community service, and good leadership skills.
The scholarship is worth over 120,000 dollars. The final candidates are to attend the National convention where the winners will be selected.
To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind in both eyes, must be residing in the United States, Must be 18 years of age, must be enrolled in a full-time course in the University, and must participate in any of the scholarship programs activities at the National Convention.
To apply, applicants should visit the official website below for detailed information on the scholarship and how to apply for it.
10. USABA Scholarship Program
USABA Scholarship Program is available for legally blind students who wish to study any course of their choice in the University of their choice. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
It is an achievement award granted to one male and one female. The scholarship is worth 500 dollars each.
To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind, enroll to study a two or four-year course, must have a current CGPA of 2.5, and be a current USABA member.
To apply, applicants should submit a brief cover letter and personal biography including their with sport and USABA and also an essay of no more than 300 words about the role and importance of sport in their life.
11. Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program
The Association of Blind Citizens Scholarship Program grants scholarships to legally blind students in the country. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship is worth 1000 each for the three scholarships that’ll be awarded. The funds cover tuition fees and expenses incurred as a result of the student’s blindness.
To be eligible, the application should submit a transcript, certificate of confirmation of blindness, two Letters to f recommendation, and a 300-500 word essay describing how the fund will help the applicant achieve his or her goal of attending a post-secondary institution.
To apply, visit the official website below for detailed information about the scholarship and how to apply.
12. Georgia Council of the Blind Scholarship
Georgia Council of the Blind Scholarship is available for students who are legally blind or have legally blind parents. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship is worth 1,000 dollars and is granted each year to successful applicants.
To be eligible, applicants must provide a current financial statement, official transcripts, a letter or statement verifying the applicant’s or applicant’s parents’ legal blindness, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement listing out the applicant’s academic goals and extracurricular activities the applicant is involved in.
Successful candidates will attend the annual GBC convention to claim their scholarships.
13. The Jewish Guild for the Blind GuildScholar Program
The Jewish Guild for the Blind GuildScholar Program awards scholarships to legally blind US citizens who have outstanding academic performance. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship is worth 15,000 dollars and it is awarded to 16 students yearly.
To be eligible, applicants should provide Academic transcripts, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
To apply, applicants should visit the official website below for detailed information on the scholarship and how to apply for it.
14. Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
The AER sponsors the Ferrell Scholarships which is awarded yearly to two students who are legally blind. It is one of the scholarships for visually impaired students.
The scholarship is worth 750 dollars and it is awarded to two students per year.
To apply, applicants must be enrolled at a high school and provide a certificate of confirmation of blindness.
To apply, applicants should visit the official website below for detailed information on the scholarship and how to apply for it.
15. George Washington University Scholarship
George Washington University is home to the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for the Blind Part-time Students. It is one of the top scholarships for visually impaired students to study any preferred course at the University.
The scholarship is awarded to print-disabled students who are not attending the university full-time.
To be eligible, applicants must have an outstanding academic record and Motivation.
To apply, applicants should visit the official website below for detailed information on the scholarship and how to apply for it.
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