Disadvantage Grants

Families of students with disabilities, such as blindness, deafness, or learning difficulties have a range of grant opportunities to meet students educational goals. These programs are provided by generous organizations to support the further education of the disadvantage.

"Within the first two years, it is ok to change your major. Make sure to ask questions before your first two years are up. It is better to change your major within this time than to wait afterward."

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

This awesome organization offers three scholarships to those who are legally blind. For questions, email scholarship@cclvi.org

- The Fred Scheigert Scholarship: rewards three legally blind students with $3,000. Applications are accepted between January 1st – March 15th each year. The application must be completed online and submitted by 11:59 pm on March 15.

- Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnification Award: a tribute fund in memory of the inventor of the Closed Circuit Television Vision (CCTV), this award offers multiple video magnifiers of various styles and brands to students and adults. Questions can be directed to this email address: genensky@cclvi.org

The Carl Foley Graduate Scholarship Program: currently being updated, this program is aimed at graduate students attending colleges and universities that offer degrees in the field of low vision. The best part about this scholarship is the applicant need not be blind, or visually impaired. The application can be procured through your school. If your school does not participate in this program but would like to, a questionnaire can be sent to them to determine if they qualify. We highly recommend doing so to further your career and the advancement of the study of low vision.

LightHouse International

There is no short supply of organizations out there to help those with low vision. Poised to help patients and professionals alike, Lighthouse International uses state-of-the-art continuing education programs to facilitate the rehabilitation of those with low vision. It is clear that dealing with blindness and low vision is their business.

Lighthouse International is proud to say that its programs are recognized around the globe and are accredited by many revered organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). If your field of interest lies in this field, Lighthouse International is the sure way to go.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

To provide leadership to achieve full integration and participation in society of people with disabilities by ensuring equal opportunity and access to, and excellence in, education, employment, and community living.

In implementing this mission, OSERS supports programs that help educate children and youth with disabilities, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities, and supports research to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program

The Harry Scholarship Program is to find and recognize college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education, or elsewhere in the public service.

National Federation of the Blind

To recognize achievement by blind scholars, the National Federation of the Blind annually offers blind college students in the United States and Puerto Rico the opportunity to win one of thirty national scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000. Eligibility Requirement:

Must be legally blind in both eyes.
Must be residing in the U.S.
Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary course of study.
Must participate in the entire NFB national convention.

National Association of the Deaf

The Nancy J. Bloch Leadership and Advocacy Scholarship award the hearing challenged who pursue careers in law, public policy, nonprofit management, or related fields. Determination of the stipend amount for each qualified applicant is based on the length of the internship.

A qualified applicant studying in law school (Juris Doctor degree) who commits to the entire length of the summer internship may be eligible for the full $6,000 stipend.

Up to two qualified applicants studying for their Bachelor’s degree may receive stipends of up to $3,000 each.