Top Scholarships for Students with Disabilities in 2026

Discover the most life-changing opportunities, explore the top scholarships for students with disabilities that offer full tuition, tech funding, and more. In 2026, a wave of game-changing financial aid opportunities is reshaping who gets access to higher education, and you could be next. From full-tuition coverage to specialized funding for adaptive technology, the top scholarships for students with disabilities in 2026 are more inclusive, generous, and accessible than ever before. This guide reveals the most rewarding and often overlooked scholarships tailored just for you.

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Why Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Matter

Scholarships for students with disabilities play a pivotal role in making higher education more inclusive, equitable, and accessible. For many, the cost of tuition, assistive technologies, healthcare, and transportation can create financial barriers that extend beyond what typical students experience. These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also affirm the value and potential of students with disabilities in academic and professional spaces.

By offering targeted support, such scholarships help bridge the opportunity gap, empowering recipients to pursue degrees, develop specialized skills, and contribute meaningfully to society. They also encourage institutions to foster more inclusive environments and expand their accessibility services. In 2026, with growing awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion, scholarships for students with disabilities are more important than ever, offering a crucial pathway to academic success, social mobility, and long-term economic empowerment.

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Top Scholarships for Students with Disabilities in 2026

Keep in mind that different organizations have quite different ways of giving out grants and scholarships. Please go over the organization’s standards and awards in detail on their website if you’re interested in applying for a scholarship.

1. AbbVie Immunology Scholarship

One of the scholarships for students with disabilities that supports students who are coping with one or more inflammatory disorders is the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship. The grant is open to students with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or another inflammatory condition. The ultimate objective of offering this scholarship to students with these difficulties is to give them additional chances to participate actively and contribute to society. Submissions must be sent by December 5th to be considered for the $15,000 scholarship.

2. American Council of the Blind Scholarship

The Council of the Blind currently offers one of the scholarships for students with disabilities in partnership with the Council of the American Foundation for the Blind. Scholarships are available to post-secondary students to help with a variety of financial needs. This includes fees, housing and board expenditures, tuition, and any additional charges they may incur while obtaining their degree. To be eligible, students must be legally blind, attend full-time classes, and have a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, they need to be involved in their community. Undergraduate scholarships start at $20,000, while graduate scholarships range from $28,000.

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3. American Speech Language Hearing Foundation

Only graduate students are eligible for the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation’s scholarships for students with disabilities, which is intended to be given to a student participating in a Student With Disability Scholarship program. Full-time enrollment is required for students seeking master’s or doctoral degrees. The award is open to candidates in both the clinical and research programs. Nine special purpose scholarships will be given out, in addition to 15 ordinary graduate scholarships of $5,000 each. Each of these is worth $5,000 as well.

4. Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Champions Scholarships

College students with arthritis or a linked rheumatic ailment are eligible to apply for the Arthritis Champions scholarships for students with disabilities, which is offered by the Arthritis Foundation. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of serving as leaders and positive role models in the arthritis community. To be eligible for the prize, students must write an essay outlining their educational and professional aspirations, the influence they have had on the community, and how their condition has affected their lives. The Dr. and Mrs. Walter J. Winterhoff Endowment Scholarship Fund and the Dr. Smriti Bardhan Scholarship Fund provide funding for the Arthritis Champions Scholarship.

5. Boomer Esiason Foundation’s General Academic Scholarships

Students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or who have parents with the condition are eligible to apply for the Boomer Esiason Foundation General Academic scholarships for students with disabilities. The scholarships and disability prizes are given out four times a year. Both need and intellectual achievement must be shown by applicants.

The student’s lodging and board expenses are covered by the funds, which are sent straight to the institution of their choice. The scholarship is given based on the student’s overall character, academic performance, community involvement, and leadership potential. The scholarship is worth $10,000. Depending on when the student applies, there are multiple deadlines throughout the year.

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6. C.A.R.E.S. Scholarship

The Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation offers the C.A.R.E.S. (Cultural and Recreational Enrichment Scholarship) Program. The scholarship program aims to give hemophiliac students the chance to pursue further education and engage in leisure and cultural pursuits. These scholarships for students with disabilities are intended to help students regain their sense of self-worth and acquire the mental, emotional, and physical growth necessary to live as well as possible. Four $500 scholarships are awarded each year to students who have hemophilia or are close family members of someone who does.

7. Council of Citizens with Low Vision International – The Fred Scheigert Scholarship

The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program is administered by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. Students who have been diagnosed with low vision and are enrolled full-time in school are eligible to receive these scholarships for students with disabilities annually. To be taken into consideration, students must fulfill the visual acuity standards. They have to adhere to the academic rules as well. The student will get notification of their admittance the following spring after a phone interview if they are chosen as a finalist. The value of each disability award is $3,000.

8. Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship

The Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship provides financial aid to individuals with impairments, primarily those with hydrocephalus or spina bifida. Encouraging children with these two criteria to continue their education and grow into self-sufficient, successful individuals who are in charge of their own destiny is the aim. Any qualified college or university, or technical/trade school, may use this scholarships for students with disabilities. Business schools and career institutes are also accepted. The overall number of scholarships and their total worth will change annually. Scholarships are given out only once a year.

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9. DREAM Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship

Oklahoma high school students with physical or learning disabilities can apply for financial aid through the Dream Institute HEAP Scholar Award Scholarship. The grant can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies, housing, or tutoring if the student needs help enrolling full-time at an in-state college or university.

Every year, the eligibility for the scholarships for students with disabilities is evaluated. Qualifying students must attend an orientation offered by the HEAP/DREAM Institute Scholarship Fund. Important skills are taught to students in the areas of note-taking, goals, academic expectations, career and personality assessments, and transitioning from high school to post-secondary education.

10. Elaine Chapin Fund

Elaine Chapin Fund offers one of the best scholarships for students with disabilities. Students with multiple sclerosis in St. Louis can receive financial assistance for their post-secondary education through the Elaine Chapin Fund (MS). This could happen directly or as a relative of someone who has multiple sclerosis. Students must have proof of residency, be enrolled in 12 credit hours, and reside within 125 miles of the office. Students must submit an essay and two recommendation letters in order to be considered.

11. FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund

Students in their fourth year of undergraduate studies are eligible to apply for the FSD Science Graduate Student Grant Fund. In order to complete their graduate studies project or thesis in the scientific sector, students must look for scholarships for students with disabilities. Students who are majoring in computer science, engineering, medicine, science, or mathematics are eligible. Students are required to compose a 250-word essay outlining the intended use of the grant. It is necessary to have two recommendation letters. Their academic research advisor should be the source of one of the letters.

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12. Guthrie-Koch Scholarship

One of the few scholarships for students with disabilities who have been diagnosed with PKU and adhere to a low-protein PKU diet is the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship. Any post-secondary student who is enrolled in a school and is a freshman, sophomore, or junior is eligible to apply for the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship. No specific GPA is needed, and applications open in mid-October. Students must write their applications in English, regardless of where they are from.

13. INCIGHT

Over 850 scholarships for students with disabilities have been awarded by the INCIGHT Scholarship since 2004. Students must be enrolled in any post-secondary institution or graduate program in order to be eligible. Anything covered by the ADA, including 504s and IEPs, is considered a disability. Since 2019, students have been required to live permanently in Oregon, California, or Washington. By June, students will be notified of their award or confirmation.

Selection is not based on financial need. Participation in the community and the desire to pursue higher education are more important factors in the process than academic performance. Money is transferred straight to the school’s financial aid office every two years. Every INCIGHT Scholar must volunteer at one INCIGHT event or perform 30 hours of community service.

14. John Lepping Memorial Scholarship Education Assistance for Disabled Youth

The LEP Foundation offers scholarships for students with disabilities called the John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth to any person with a handicap who resides in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. The desire to continue their study at a post-secondary institution is the first prerequisite. Scholarship recipients who present documentation of their impairment, together with a certificate from a doctor, are granted consideration for physical or psychological disorders.

For the next academic year, students must present certified records of their attendance at a university, college, or vocational school as well as confirmation of residency. You must write a one-page essay explaining the nature of your ailment and how your impairment has caused financial hardship for you or your family. Official school transcripts and three recommendation letters are needed. Because of the large number of applicants, only those who have been awarded will be notified.

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15. Karman Healthcare Mobility Scholarship

One of the scholarships for students with disabilities who utilize a mobility device are eligible for the Karman Healthcare Mobility Disability Scholarship. Academic excellence and a strong appreciation for disability awareness in America are prerequisites for scholars. Each year, candidates are required to compose an essay on a selected topic. The idea is to choose a personal experience and describe how it has shaped who you are. Students must be enrolled in an authorized US university or college and be at least 16 years old.

A 2.0 cumulative GPA is necessary. In addition to a photo of themselves, applicants must present a medical letter attesting to a mobility impairment that necessitates the use of a daily mobility aid. The winners will get an email or a phone call. Karman Healthcare and the scholar’s financial aid office will handle the funds immediately.

16. Landmark College Vocational Rehabilitation Grants

Vocational Rehabilitation Grants from Landmark College are packaged financial aid alternatives for scholarships for students with disabilities. The college takes part in both federal and private grant programs. Applying to Landmark College requires a $75 application fee, transcripts, and a professional diagnosis of learning difficulty, autism, or ADHD. Applicants may submit an essay or a psycho-educational examination from within the last three years of applying if there isn’t an official diagnosis. With the recommendation of at least one instructor or counselor, students are required to complete a personal interview.

17. Lime Connect – BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship

The purpose of Lime Connect’s BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship is to support students who want to work in the financial services industry. Scholarships for students with disabilities are one way that BMO Capital Markets promotes a diverse workforce. Current undergraduates and graduate students interested in business/commerce school, computer science, engineering, physics, math, statistics, or any related field are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Students must be enrolled in 40% of the courses to be eligible. Students must apply with their most recent transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a manager, advisor, or instructor, and their CV or résumé.

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18. Lime Connect – Pathways Scholarship for HS Seniors

All recent high school graduates are eligible to apply for the Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship. Residents of the US or Canada who are applying to four-year universities are eligible for the award. Before judgments are made regarding rewards, students are permitted to alter their applications and state that they are unsure of which college they will attend. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and academic performance, although financial necessity is also taken into account. When applying, a résumé and essay are required. Before obtaining the scholarship in mid- to late-July, a letter of recommendation and final confirmation of acceptance to a four-year college are needed.

19. The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship

STEM students with invisible disabilities might get support through the Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship. Winners are chosen in mid-July and get their awards by the end of August. Students who demonstrate academic prowess and a commitment to healthcare must present proof of current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program. An essay highlighting the student’s enthusiasm for healthcare must be included alongside their transcripts, CV, and current enrollment. Recommendation letters from a professor, supervisor, or adviser are necessary and can be turned in up to one week after the due date. The recipient of the scholarship receives payment directly.

20. Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences

Only UC Boulder students looking for scholarships for students with disabilities are eligible for the Lorraine Nelson Herrick Scholarship in Arts and Sciences. Students may be enrolled in graduate school, be enrolled to attend, or be enrolled as current undergraduates. Although none of the aforementioned are prerequisites, students who have multiple sclerosis, live in Colorado, and have declared anthropology as their major will be given preference.

Students must provide proof of their disability. Awards will be announced to incoming freshmen in early April. In mid-April, continuing students receive notifications. In mid-July, transfer students receive notifications. If necessary, graduate students can get in touch with the school. The student most likely did not get an award if the word is not received by May.

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21. Microsoft Disability Scholarship

High school students interested in pursuing jobs in the technology sector, including academic and vocational institutions, can apply for scholarships for students with disabilities through the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, which is supported by the Microsoft Global Diversity and Inclusion initiative. For students to qualify, they must have a disability as defined by the WHO. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and prove they require money. They have to list engineering, law, business, or a similar discipline as their major. Extracurricular activities, work experience, unofficial transcripts, three essays, and two reference letters must all be included when a student applies.

22. Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship of The American Sign Language Project

Not all scholarships for students with disabilities are the same, such as The American Sign Language Project’s Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship. With a suggestion for noninvasive technology to enhance communication between hearing and Deaf persons, it is intended for full-time college students. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their scholarship period. It is necessary to be a US citizen or resident. A 500–1000 word letter of recommendation from an instructor is necessary, as is a one-page personal statement and a three–five page synopsis of the student’s proposed topic.

23. Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Students with Down syndrome who are over 18 years old are eligible to receive scholarships for students with disabilities through the Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship. Enrollment in a post-secondary institution, high school graduation, or a high school diploma is a prerequisite. Scholarships are only available for use during the school year. All applications are confirmed by email, and decisions on spring applications are made in June. The award must be used for the upcoming fall semester. Every year, students are required to reapply.

For the spring deadline, scholarship applications go live in January. The scholarship can only be used for food, accommodation, or transportation if those expenses are covered by the tuition. 10% of scholarship funding may be used for textbooks and supplies, as long as a receipt is presented to prove reimbursement. More than 35 well-known companies, including Whole Foods, large hotels, clinics, and law firms, are sponsors of Ruby’s Rainbow.

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24. Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation

The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation offers scholarships for students with disabilities with Type 1 Diabetes who struggle to pay for books, tuition, and fees yearly, renewable college scholarships up to $10,000. Every year, students are required to renew their applications. A 3.0 GPA and a dedication to extracurricular activities are prerequisites. January marks the start of the application process, which concludes on April 15. When the online submission is approved, students will know their applications are complete. During the review phase, a request for a Supplemental Survey and Budget procedure may be made.

25. Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf

Sertoma’s Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf offers scholarships for students with disabilities and for graduate students enrolled in four-year colleges to pursue a four-year degree. Graduate degrees, community colleges, and technical institutions are not eligible. Students must have a bilateral hearing loss of at least 40 dB. U.S. citizenship is necessary. A 3.2 cumulative GPA is necessary. In the last ten years, more than 800 scholarships have been awarded. Sertoma is a national organization that continues to improve hearing health locally through clubs and services. Additionally, they offer graduate students another award.

26. Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program

The Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program is offered by the Pfizer Hemophilia Scholarship Program to assist students with hemophilia with their educational needs. Students with type A or type B hemophilia are eligible to receive this scholarships for students with disabilities. Students must be enrolled in community, undergraduate, graduate, or vocational schools and hold a high school diploma or GED. Students are not required to be taking any of Pfizer’s medications to be taken into consideration. Transcripts for the application should be sought by May 31 at the latest.

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27. The Ability Center

Disability at the Ability Center. All you need to be eligible for a scholarship is to have a disability of some kind that would necessitate extra help not offered to a regular student. Scholarship recipients must be from Ohio’s Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Henry, Ottawa, Defiance, or Williams counties, or Michigan’s Monroe or Lenawee counties. They need to have a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program. To be eligible for these scholarships for students with disabilities, students must submit an essay along with documentation of their prior coursework or career history. Three transcripts and references are needed.

28. UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship

Students with disabilities can apply for scholarships for students with disabilities through the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program. They provide students with more than 33 one-time scholarships. Each of the thirty students will get five thousand dollars. Two students will receive $10,000 each through The Epilepsy Leader Scholarships. $10,000 is awarded to one student as part of the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship.

To be eligible, students must be US citizens enrolling in an associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate, or trade school. A letter from a doctor is necessary. Consideration is given to students who participate in extracurricular activities and provide positive role modeling. Three recommendation letters and a one-page essay are required as part of the application procedure.

29. Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships

Two scholarships for students with disabilities that focus on autism and Down syndrome are among the many scholarships offered by Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships. Recipients must have a strong interest in the law or criminal justice. Due to the fact that they are intended for students under the age of 15, these scholarships for students with disabilities differ. A parent, friend, relative, or teacher may submit them. The scholarship can be applied to leisure or scholarly pursuits. To be eligible, applicants must submit a video message or story on the website along with their name and photo. Candidates must consent to the student being highlighted on the website.

30. 1800wheelchair.com Scholarship

One of the scholarships for students with disabilities is the 1800wheelchair scholarship, available to students who can move around with the help of wheelchairs, powerchairs, or scooters. Winning students are asked to solve their mobility challenges, identify school locations where mobility can be a problem, and research the kinds of campus amenities that are accessible to them. Before receiving a scholarship, students must fulfill a general set of qualifying standards. Every year, two disability scholarships worth $500 are given out.

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Does Receiving a Disability Scholarship Require Having a Documented Disability?

Individuals who now get support for their disabilities, such as veterans receiving VA aid or those receiving SSI benefits, might be curious about whether disability compensation would cover college expenses. Although SSI does not directly pay for education, there are many scholarships for students with disabilities that are offered through national, state, or local programs, making higher education more attainable. With thoughtful research, eligible students can uncover generous aid that reduces or eliminates tuition costs.

Veterans can still seek to the GI Bill for assistance because it is still in effect. Finding national, state, and local programs that provide financial help for students with disabilities will always require investigation on the part of current and potential students. Applicants should not waste time looking for solutions that can result in free or inexpensive college tuition for the disabled, because those programs do exist and are numerous.

What are Some Disabilities that Have Special Scholarships?

There is a scholarship, grant, or other opportunity linked to almost every identified handicap. When exploring Scholarships for Students with Disabilities, applicants can refine their search based on the type of disability, ensuring access to the most relevant support.

Scholarships for autoimmune diseases are available to assist applicants and students in overcoming the difficulty of going to school while coping with their particular ailment. Candidates may think about searching for autoimmune disease scholarships by the name of the particular condition as well, since there are numerous varieties of autoimmune disorders.

For instance, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Graves’ disease are all quite distinct medical conditions. Certain awards or scholarships might only be available to those who suffer from a certain disease. For instance, candidates may search for items such as:

• Crohn’s disease scholarships
• Arthritis scholarships
• Cerebral palsy scholarships
• Chronic pain scholarships

Candidates can even search for scholarships by focusing on extremely narrow conditions. Scholarships for chronic pain or arthritis, for instance, are available, but there are several kinds of arthritis, and chronic pain can result from some other conditions.

Although it’s an excellent place to start, candidates should be aware that they are not restricted to scholarships for a certain kind of handicap. By first identifying their specific disease, then the broader category of that sickness, and finally general disability scholarships, followed by more conventional grant and scholarship possibilities, candidates may find it helpful to go backward.

Although the examples shown here were related to illnesses, similar scholarship-finding strategies may be used for any kind of impairment, including genetic, psychological, physical, and others. Applicants with mobility impairments, for instance, might search for scholarship possibilities tailored to their needs.

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Are there Government Grants for Disabled Adults to go to School?

In today’s more inclusive academic landscape, a variety of federal, state, and local funding opportunities exist for adults with disabilities pursuing higher education. Among these, scholarships for students with disabilities play a critical role in bridging financial gaps. In addition to federal options like grants, work-study, and loans offered through the Federal Student Aid program, many states provide targeted subsidies that can be combined with federal aid.

These often include scholarships for unique circumstances, such as those designed for parents with disabilities or individuals affected by rare conditions. Thorough research through state education websites and disability-focused scholarship directories can help uncover lesser-known opportunities.

Some states also partner directly with universities to expand accessibility, offering institution-specific financial support. Prospective students are encouraged to consult their chosen school’s financial aid office, as many institutions maintain lists of scholarships and government funding exclusive to certain programs or needs, ensuring tailored support for diverse student populations.

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In conclusion, scholarships for students with disabilities in 2026 are opening doors to higher education like never before. With growing support for accessibility and inclusion, these opportunities offer more than just financial aid they provide empowerment, independence, and equal access to academic success. Whether you aim to pursue technology, public health, law, or the arts, there’s likely a scholarship tailored to your path. Start early, prepare thoughtfully, and don’t hesitate to apply widely. Remember, your disability does not define your limits it highlights your resilience and potential. With the right support, your goals in higher education are well within reach.