Scholarships for Students with Low Vision: A Comprehensive Guide
Major progress has been made in recent decades to make the world more accessible to the visually impaired, including braille, auditory signals in public spaces, and audiobooks. The collegiate world has also taken significant steps in opening its doors to students with sight-related disabilities. For visually impaired students, numerous scholarships are available to support their pursuit of higher education.
Overviews of Scholarship Programs
Several organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for students with low vision or blindness. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and encourage academic excellence.
Lighthouse Guild: This organization offers up to 20 scholarships annually to outstanding high school seniors who are legally blind and one scholarship to a qualifying graduate student. As of 2023, one student among the undergraduate and graduate scholarship recipients will be awarded the Dr. Neil S. Patel Memorial Scholarship. Beginning in 2025, the Daniel M. Festo Scholarship will also be awarded. These scholarships help cover tuition and living expenses.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB): The NFB has the largest scholarship program for legally blind post-secondary students in the country, awarding over $250,000 annually. The Federation grants 30 scholarships annually (ranging from $3,000 to $12,000) to legally blind persons in higher education from college freshmen to doctoral candidates. Federation scholarship winners also win a trip to the organization’s annual convention and the opportunity to develop mentoring relationships with the nation’s most dynamic leaders of the blind community. Winning a Federation scholarship is a lifetime distinction because winners must compete in a pool of over 600 applicants.
American Council of the Blind (ACB): Legally blind, full-time students at the post-secondary level (in both academic and vocational programs) may be able to receive funds from the more than twenty scholarships offered by the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Most of the ACB scholarships range from between $1000 to $3000 in amount. To be eligible, applicants must be legally blind in both eyes and have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher, along with demonstrating involvement in their community or school. In addition, the ACB provides one scholarship specifically to part-time students who are also employed full-time: the John Hebner Memorial Scholarship.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): Helen Keller was a driving force behind the American Foundation for the Blind, which offers around eleven annual scholarships ranging from $500.00 - $1,500.00. Interested individuals may use a single application form to apply for one or more scholarships. One AFB award is the Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship. This award is $2,500 given out to four students who are doing either their undergraduate or graduate studies in rehabilitation or a subject related to education for those with disabilities. Another is the Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship, which is $1,000 given to a female student studying classical or religious music.
Association of Blind Citizens: Approximately $3,000 in college scholarships is offered by the Association of Blind Citizens each school year. The breakdown of funding is in three scholarships of $1,000 each.
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA): The Blinded Veterans Association offers scholarships to dependent children and spouses of veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are blind (either service or nonservice connected.) Veterans need not be members of the Blinded Veterans Association. The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) offers merit-based scholarships called the Kathern F. Gruber awards to help spouses, children, and grandchildren of blind or low vision veterans with their college tuition. These scholarships are for $2,000 and can be renewed for up to four years.
Christian Record Services: The Christian Record Services offers scholarships in all areas of study to undergraduate students who are legally blind.
Learning Ally: Learning Ally offers the Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards (SAA) for college seniors and graduate students who are blind or visually impaired and the Marion Huber Learning Through Listening (LTL) Awards for high school seniors who are learning disabled. Learning Ally's Excellence in Education award honors dedicated educators promoting literacy, while their student scholarships recognize academic and personal achievements in select honorees who demonstrate exceptional effort in classrooms and communities.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Communities Foundation of Texas: To support blind students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree, the Communities Foundation of Texas is generously offering a $15,000 annual scholarship!
Specific Scholarship Opportunities
Here are some specific scholarships available for students with low vision:
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform.
Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant Program: The Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant Program was established to provide funding for undergraduate Wisconsin residents who are enrolled at in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent institutions, show financial need, and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. To be considered for the Grant, which awards between $250 and $1,800 to multiple eligible recipients, students must submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant Application.
Jeannette C. Eyerly Scholarship: The Jeannette C. Eyerly Scholarship is given in memorial of Jeannette C. Eyerly, who was the author of many books or short stories which displayed positive portrayals of blind characters. Blind students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree are encouraged to apply.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship: The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship is offered by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a non-profit that aims to better the lives of the blind community and offers students who are blind in both eyes financial assistance to attend college. Students seeking an undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply.
Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship: The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship is offered in loving memory of Dr. Worth up to $8,000, this scholarship is meant to support legally blind high school seniors and college students who are 17 years of age or older.
Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship: The Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship is provided by Mr. and Mrs. Sandler, friends of the federation, who want to further academic excellence for blind students. Blind students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degrees are encouraged to apply.
NFB STEM Scholarship: The NFB STEM Scholarship provides financial assistance to blind students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a related field or encouraged to apply.
Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship: The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Betty Alan on behalf of her late husband Charles, a successful businessman who left school young but believed education was still important for students, provides financial assistance to blind students. Students who are blind and are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree are encouraged to apply.
Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in STEM: The Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in STEM provides scholarships to blind undergraduate and graduate students. Students who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics are encouraged to apply.
Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship: The Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to blind students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees. Blind students who have a strong drive for financial independence are encouraged to apply.
Edith R. Alvin J. Comroe Foundation Scholarship: The Edith R. Alvin J. Comroe Foundation Scholarship offers blind students financial assistance to attend college. Students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree are encouraged to apply.
E.U. and Gene Parker Scholarship: The E.U. and Gene Parker Scholarship is given in honor of E.U. and Gene Parker who were leaders of the National Federation of the Blind and demonstrated strong principles and support for the federation's work. This scholarship provides financial assistance to blind students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree.
James C. Basile Scholarship: The James C. Basile Scholarship is offered to graduating seniors or graduates of a high school in Ventura County, California. Students seeking a professional certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree who demonstrate academic achievement & financial need are encouraged to apply.
Fordham University Law School - Amy Reiss Endowed Scholarship: Fordham University Law School offers the Amy Reiss Endowed Scholarship to students who are physically disabled and are interested in pursuing a J.D. degree from Fordham Law School.
George Mason University - Barry and Velma Berkey Scholarship: George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia offers the Barry and Velma Berkey Scholarship. This generous award goes to a full-time student in the college who is visually impaired and is studying in a range of academic disciplines, including teaching, writing, nursing, and music.
Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Part-time Students: This university, located in the nation’s capital, is home to the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Part-time Students. Designed especially for students who are print-disabled and not attending the university full-time, this award is given to a student who strongly demonstrates financial need, as well as academic competence and motivation.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council - Karla M. Award: Visually impaired student who will be a freshman or sophomore at an accredited Ohio institution during the Fall semester.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind - Shirley A. Award: Most financial support requires students to become employed after graduation in the field of vision rehabilitation for two years for every year that support is provided. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available.
Wisconsin Council of the Blind - Lloyd P. Award: Provides scholarships to blind post-secondary students annually. Also publishes a listing of other scholarships available to blind and visually impaired students. Offers the Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program, which awards three students an individual prize of $3,000.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Each scholarship program has its own set of eligibility criteria and application requirements. However, some common requirements include:
Legal Blindness: Most scholarships require applicants to be legally blind, which is typically defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Certification of legal blindness from an ophthalmologist is usually required.
Academic Achievement: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher. Academic transcripts are typically required as part of the application process.
Citizenship or Residency: Most scholarships require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal residents. Some scholarships are specifically for residents of certain states.
Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited college, university, or vocational program. Some scholarships are specifically for undergraduate or graduate students.
Letters of Recommendation: Most scholarships require letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities, character, and potential.
Personal Essay: A personal essay is often required, outlining the applicant's goals, work experience, and how the scholarship funds will be used. The essay may also address the challenges the applicant has faced due to their vision loss and how they have overcome them.
Financial Need: Some scholarships consider financial need as a factor in the selection process. Applicants may be required to submit financial statements or other documentation to demonstrate their need.
Application Tips
Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of college application deadlines.
Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship.
Proofread: Carefully proofread all application materials for errors in grammar and spelling.
Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience in your application.
Tell Your Story: Use the personal essay to share your unique story and demonstrate your passion for learning.
Additional Resources
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): The American Foundation for the Blind will be a great resource to you in your hunt for scholarships. They have a comprehensive database listing of many other scholarships that are specific to students with a disability.
"An Introduction to College Scholarships”: provides information about applying for scholarships and practice entrance tests.
Online Guide to Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: Has an online guide to financial aid for students with disabilities. The guide includes a curated list of more than 85 disability-specific scholarships, strategies for utilizing state and local financial aid resources, and an overview of loan forgiveness and reduction options.
Overcoming Challenges
Vision loss can present challenges in everyday activities and tasks. However, with the right support and resources, students with low vision can succeed in college.
Assistive Technology: The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) to help legally blind individuals afford adaptive devices and software. The fund covers 50% of the retail price for eligible products, which must cost between $200 and $6,000.
College Disability Resource Center: Remember, the college or university you are interested in may have a scholarship devoted to an incoming student with a disability of some kind.
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