Top Scholarships for Disabled Students in 2021

If you are a student with “disAbilities,” as we like to say, you landed in the right place! As the list below demonstrates, there are many scholarships for disabled students, both physical and mental in nature. Our list also includes scholarships for certain inflammatory diseases and cancer. Some of these scholarships for disabled students require documentation, so give yourself ample time to complete the applications!

Top Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Resources for Students with Disabilities
Summary of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Top Scholarships for Disabled Students in 2021

$7,001 Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to students at every level of education who write a short essay about mental health
Amount: $7,001
Deadline: June 13, 2021

$500 Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

Eligibility: Students at every level of education who have had challenges with mental health or who have had loved ones who have struggled with mental health
Amount: $500
Deadline: December 1, 2021

Lep Foundation CURE – Cancer Support Scholarship

Eligibility: College-bound students diagnosed with cancer and whose disease and related treatments placed a significant financial burden on them and their families. Academic achievement is considered
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 1, 2021

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities

Eligibility: High school senior or graduate with a 3.0 GPA or above planning to enroll (or who is already enrolled) in full- or half-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the US as an undergraduate
Amount: $2,500 for full-time students, and $1,250 for half-time students (renewable scholarships!)
Deadline: June 30, 2021

L.I.F.E. Scholarships

Eligibility: Applicants must be diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, attending/planning to attend college in Fall 2021, and have a 3.) or higher GPA
Amount: $500
Deadline: July 1, 2021

WiseGeek Disability Scholarship

Eligibility: Students at any grade level or field of study who have a disability and large ambitions for their lives
Amount: $500
Deadline: August 2, 2021

Lighthouse Guild College Bound Scholarship

Eligibility: Visually impaired/blind high school students who will be incoming freshmen and graduate education (Master’s degree, PhD, MD, JD, or other post-baccalaureate degree) students, already attending or planning to attend graduate school
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 31, 2022

Academy of Special Dreams Scholarship

Eligibility: Eligible special needs applicants will have applied to and/or have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a college or university, trade school, art school, or other recognized degree-awarding program with an expressed desire to study or major in any field of Art
Amount: $250 to $1,000
Deadline: Rolling

See also: Top Mental Health Scholarships

See also: Top ADHD Scholarships

Resources for Students with Disabilities

American Psychological Association: Reasonable Accommodations Explained

This article is an excellent place to start if wondering exactly what accommodations you are legally entitled to in college. Knowledge is power, so empower yourself by learning your rights!

National Center for College Students with Disabilities Clearinghouse

This database offers an amazing number of quality resources about disabilities and higher education all in one place.

National Resources for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

This is a great website to find a variety of resources for college-bound or current college students with disabilities.

Summary of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Expired Scholarships

$1,000 RJ Mitte Breaking Barriers Scholarship

Eligibility: Awarded to a high school or undergraduate student with a mental or physical disability in need of support financing their education
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2021

American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Applicants must be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for most scholarships, be a full-time student (or a student who works 32 or more hours per week and attends college part time), and be involved in their school/local community
Amount: $2,000 to $7,500, depending on whether applicant is attending a technical college or as an entering freshman, undergraduate, or a graduate student
Deadline: February 15, 2021 11:59pm (CST) (Opens in November 2021)

AbbVie Immunology Scholarship

Eligibility: Students with one of the listed inflammatory diseased enrolling in full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited United States (US) two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the 2021-2022 academic year
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: December 7, 2020 (Opens in October 2021)

Baer Reintegration Scholarship

Eligibility: Students eighteen years or older diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder who plan/are enrolled in high school equivalency programs, trade or vocational schools, certificate programs, or associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree college/university programs
Amount: Varies based on each winner’s financial needs and educational goals
Deadline: January 15, 2021 (Opens week of October 5, 2021)

John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Disabled Students

Eligibility: Permanent residents of New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania who have physical conditions (spinal cord injury, loss of limb, birth defects, etc.) and/or psychological conditions (autism, post- traumatic stress etc.). Scholarship recipients must be able to provide proof of disability with letter of confirmation by a physician
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 1, 2021

Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors

Eligibility: High school seniors with all all types of disabilities. While financial need is considered, the awards are merit-based
Amount: $1,000 (multiple scholarships awarded)
Deadline: May 31, 2021

Microsoft Disability Scholarship

Eligibility: Applicants must be college-bound current high school seniors living with a disability (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech or other disability. Applicant must have a 3.0 or above GPA, a passion for technology, and require financial assistance to attend college
Amount: $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years)
Deadline: March 1, 2021

Rent-a-Knee Walker Scholarship

Eligibility: Current high school seniors or college students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students with physical disabilities are prioritized
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 1, 2021

Scheigert Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to students with low vision enrolled as full-time students. Must have a minimum cumulative 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA)
Amount: $3,000 (three scholarships awarded)
Deadline: March 1, 2021 (opens January 1, 2021)

Top Scholarships for Disabled Students in 2021