The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers seven scholarships to blind or visually impaired students attending undergraduate or graduate institutions. Award money varies and each scholarship has specific requirements for fields of study students must pursue. Some scholarships offer several awards and some are based on economic needs, but all require short essays as part of the application process.
Zeshan Tabani grew up with Joshua O'Neill, who has Down syndrome. After seeing how beneficial O'Neill found post-secondary education, Tabani decided to create a fund for others with Down syndrome who wanted to pursue further education. Tabani realized that adults with Down syndrome have little, if any, financial aid available to them to take enrichment courses or programs, so the scholarship is available to students who want to take any kind of post-secondary educational courses. The maximum award is $2,000 and is open to adults aged 18 and older.
AG Bell, founded by Alexander Graham Bell in the late 19th century, was initially established to promote further information about the deaf. Today, it works to fulfill its mission of making sure children and adults get the proper care and support they need to be an active part of society. AG Bell offers nearly 20 scholarships for students enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate programs. The awards are given out solely on merit and are between $1,000 and $10,000.
The Paralyzed Veterans scholarship has been around since 1986 and is open to the spouses and children of paralyzed veterans, in addition to the veterans themselves. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled either part-time or half-time in an accredited college or university in the United States.
The Claude S. Weiler Scholarship for Amputee College Students, given out by the National Amputation Foundation, awards six scholarships in the amount of $500 to students attending an accredited institution full time. To qualify, students must have had a major limb amputation (defined as an amputation at or above the wrist or ankle) and must complete several essays.