Search for disability grants through multiple sources--local, regional, state and national. Contact your prospective colleges' disability support services offices for information about school-sponsored grants and referrals to other opportunities. Avoid waiting until after you receive an admissions decision because you might miss application deadlines. Explore grants through advocacy organizations that promote research about disabilities. Disabled students often qualify for grants that are targeted at minority students because they are considered under-represented.
College grants are available for students with various mental or neurological disabilities, such as autism, depression and narcolepsy. One example of an award through a nonprofit organization is the Schwallie Family Scholarship Program. The program is offered by the Organization for Autism Research and offers $3,000 grants to students with autism or Asperger Syndrome who pursue higher education.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Crawford Scholarship provides an example of an award directly from a college for physically disabled students based on financial need. The ChairScholars Foundation maintains a national program and a Florida program to provide financial support to students with physical disabilities. Awards vary -- though the national program offers up to $20,000 toward higher education expenses.
Students with sensory disabilities, such as blindness or deafness, also can find grants. The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for students diagnosed with a hearing loss before they turned 7 years old. The Association of Blind Citizens offers the Reggie Johnson Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 and $2,000 to legally blind students who seek a college degree.
Understand grant requirements before submitting applications. Some programs have specific definitions regarding eligible disabilities and even require signed verification of disability forms, such as from a physician. Submit complete applications on time.