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!