College can be both exciting and challenging, but students with disabilities often face additional obstacles when it comes to accessibility, financial aid, and campus resources. The good news? There are scholarships, grants, and support services designed to help students with disabilities succeed. Learn about the resources available and how to advocate for the accommodations you need.

1. Scholarships and Grants for Students with Disabilities

Many organizations offer scholarships and grants specifically for students with disabilities. These funds can help cover tuition, assistive technology, and other college-related expenses.

📌 National Scholarships
✔ The Google Lime Scholarship – For students with disabilities pursuing degrees in computer science or tech-related fields. (Learn more)
✔ The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship – For students with disabilities studying public health or disability-related fields. (Learn more)
✔ The Microsoft Disability Scholarship – For high school seniors with disabilities pursuing STEM careers. (Learn more)
✔ The National Federation of the Blind Scholarships – For legally blind students attending college. (Learn more)

📌 State and Local Scholarships
Many states offer disability-related financial aid. Check with your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency or visit your school’s financial aid office to see what’s available.

📌 Federal Grants
✔ Pell Grants – Need-based grants that do not have to be repaid.
✔ Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) – Additional aid for students with financial need.
✔ Vocational Rehabilitation Grants – Many state programs offer grants for students with disabilities pursuing education or job training.

💡 Tip: Apply for scholarships early—many deadlines are in the spring or summer before the academic year begins.

2. Campus Disability Services and Accommodations

Colleges are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Each school has a Disability Services Office (DSO) that helps students access accommodations and support.

✔ Common Accommodations:

  • Extended time on tests
  • Note-taking assistance or audio-recorded lectures
  • Accessible dorm rooms and classroom spaces
  • Assistive technology (screen readers, speech-to-text software)
  • Priority registration for classes
  • Sign language interpreters or captioning services

📌 How to Request Accommodations

  1. Contact your school’s Disability Services Office as soon as possible.
  2. Provide medical documentation or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from high school.
  3. Work with your school to develop an accommodation plan that meets your needs.

💡 Tip: Accommodations are not automatic—you must request them and provide proper documentation.

3. Assistive Technology and Learning Tools

Technology can help students with disabilities overcome challenges in reading, writing, and organization.

✔ Screen Readers (for visual impairments) – JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver
✔ Speech-to-Text Software (for dyslexia, mobility impairments) – Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Google Docs Voice Typing
✔ Note-Taking Apps – Evernote, OneNote, Otter.ai
✔ Mind Mapping Tools (for ADHD, executive function disorders) – MindMeister, XMind
✔ Accessible E-Books – Bookshare, Learning Ally

💡 Tip: Many colleges offer free access to assistive technology through the Disability Services Office.

4. Finding Disability-Friendly Colleges

Some colleges go above and beyond to support students with disabilities. Look for schools that offer:
✔ Strong Disability Services Office with responsive staff
✔ Accessible campus housing, classrooms, and transportation
✔ Programs that promote inclusion and community support
✔ Scholarships and grants for students with disabilities

📌 Top Disability-Friendly Colleges:
✔ University of Arizona (Disability Resource Center)
✔ University of California, Berkeley (Disabled Students’ Program)
✔ University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Beckwith Residential Support)
✔ Gallaudet University (For Deaf and hard-of-hearing students)

💡 Tip: When researching colleges, schedule a meeting with the Disability Services Office to discuss available support.

5. Advocating for Yourself in College

Unlike high school, where teachers and parents handle accommodations, college students must advocate for themselves.

✔ Know your rights – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protect your right to reasonable accommodations.
✔ Communicate with professors early – Meet with instructors before classes start to discuss accommodations.
✔ Seek support groups – Many campuses have student organizations for students with disabilities.

💡 Tip: If you encounter issues with accommodations, contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to file a complaint.

Final Thoughts: Support Is Available—Use It!

College can be challenging, but students with disabilities have many resources available to help them succeed. From scholarships and grants to campus support services and assistive technology, there are many ways to get the help you need. Advocate for yourself, use available resources, and remember—you deserve the same opportunities as every other student!

Related Content

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how to...

Scholarship Application 101: Your Guide to Success

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, or looking for financial help with continuing education, scholarships can make a big difference. Dive into this guide to uncover the basics and...

Financial Aid vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Navigating college funding can be confusing, especially when terms like "financial aid" and "scholarships" are thrown around. Understand the key differences between these two funding sources and how to maximize both for your education. What is Financial Aid? Financial...

Making the Most of Your Scholarships: A Guide to Maximizing Your Benefits

Winning a scholarship is an incredible achievement, but it’s just the beginning. Once you’ve secured funding, it’s essential to use it wisely and strategically. Learn how to stretch your scholarship dollars, stay eligible, and make the most of this opportunity for a...

How to Find Scholarships That Fit Your Unique Background

Scholarships can open the door to a debt-free education, but finding the right ones requires knowing where to look. Many scholarships are tailored to specific groups or interests, meaning your unique background could qualify you for financial aid others can’t access....

Returning to School After a Break: What You Need to Know

Going back to school after a break can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to chase new goals and open doors to better opportunities. Whether you’re starting fresh or finishing what you started, returning to school as an adult requires planning, focus, and a bit...

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Why It Matters to Know the Difference When it comes to paying for college, scholarships can make a major dent in your expenses—but not all scholarships are created equal. Understanding the difference between merit-based and need-based scholarships can help you target...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look

Going back to school as a non-traditional student can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to paying for tuition. Many scholarships are designed for recent high school graduates, but plenty of funding opportunities exist for adults returning to...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

Online Degree Programs: Are They Worth It for Non-Traditional Students?

For adult learners balancing work, family, and education, online degree programs offer a flexible and accessible way to earn a degree. But are they really worth it? While online education has grown in popularity, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making...

Check out these scholarships:

Taylor University President’s Scholarship

Students must have the required ACT or SAT score and GPA to receive the President's Award. SAT score is calculated by combining the Math and Reading portions of the test. The scholarship received is determined by adding GPA points and ACT/SAT points to find your total...

Prep Expert Clark High School SAT Excellence Scholarship

Clark High School sophomores, juniors or seniors who scored 1500 or higher on the SAT may apply for this $500 college scholarship.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program

As a leading custom service provider specialized in the field of antibody production and engineering, Creative Biolabs is always happy to support young and ambitious talents in our field. Scholarship Sponsor Creative Biolabs Award Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility...

The A.A. and Hattie Mae Bush Accounting Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1978 by Alvin A. and Hattie Mae Bush, longtime residents of Amarillo, both of whom passed away in 1982. Mr. and Mrs. Bush were both accountants before they met, and after their marriage in 1948, combined their business interests and...

MSU Moorhead Freshman Honors Apprentice Scholarship

Minnesota State University Moorhead is proud to offer automatic, competitive and need-based scholarships to freshman. Scholarship Sponsor Minnesota State University MoorheadAward Type $20,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria:...

AFSA High School Senior Scholarship Contest

The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program helps with the educational and training pursuits of students just like you. Scholarship Sponsor The American Fire Sprinkler AssociationAward Type $2,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Southwestern University Brown Scholarship

The Brown Scholarship is Southwestern’s most prestigious and competitive award. Scholarship Sponsor Southwestern UniversityAward Type $33,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements: Candidates must rank...

Kobrin Family Scholarship

The Kobrin Family Scholarship is awarded to a qualified student from Orange, Osceola or Seminole County who will be attending the University of Central Florida. Please note that this scholarship is only available to students of the Jewish faith.Scholarship Sponsor...

Afghan-American Scholarship Program

The Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) Scholarship was initiated and funded by generous members of the Afghan-American community, Somaya and Masie Ishaq. AACO is looking for applicants who demonstrate commitment to their education through a variety of means...

PSEG Foundation Scholarship

PSEG is a diversified energy company headquartered in New Jersey. PSEG is also recognized as one of the top ten electric companies within the United States. The PSEG Foundation executes the organization's outstanding corporate citizenship and community impact...

Emily M. Hewitt & Stephen Stocking Memorial Scholarships

The Emily M. Hewitt & Stephen Stocking Memorial Scholarships are for a promising upper division or graduate student who shows a commitment to communicate and interpret a love of nature and an understanding of the need to practice conservation. Scholarship Sponsor...

Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship

The oldest Hollywood-working actor of the famous Baldwin brothers, Alec Baldwin received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama from New York University in 1994. The philanthropic celebrity has established an endowed scholarship for NYU students in the Tisch School...

BURGER KINGâ„  McLamore Foundation

BURGER KING℠ McLamore Foundation, which was established in October 2005, is the charitable arm of the BURGER KING® system and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation, together with Burger King Corporation employees, franchisees, suppliers...

Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program

To assist worthy students in Georgia (and who plan on attending a Georgia college/university) with college tuitionScholarship Sponsor The Georgia Mining AssociationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: Georgia...

CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship

The CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship was established to recruit outstanding students to the college’s Information Systems program. Scholarship Sponsor The University of Akron Award Type $2,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...
Skip to content