The New American Association Health Disability Scholarship AAHD
AAHD Scholarship
If you have a documented disability, and you are or will be attending college, you need to know about the newest available scholarship – the American Association Health Disability Scholarship (AAHD). The first American Association Scholarship will be awarded in December of 2009.
The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship is funded by sales of the Disability and Health Journal (DHJ), which began publication in 2008. Because the AAHD scholarships for disabled students is funded with these revenues, the amount that is available each year will vary, and the award amounts will vary – with each award expected to be under $1000. A scholarship committee has been formed to determine award amounts, and to determine the number of awards that will be granted, as well as to select the applicants who will be granted the awards.
While there are many requirements for eligibility for the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship, it is important to understand that those applicants who are not only disabled, but also who are planning to participate in programs of study that will lead to a career in disability research, disability policy, health promotion, public health, and disability studies will be most likely to win the awards.
The disabilities scholarships are available to graduate and under graduate students. You must have a documented disability, and you must provide the scholarship committee with that documentation. You must have graduated from high school, and be enrolled or accepted by a four year University in the United States, or a graduate school in the US. You must also be a citizen of the United States, or a legal resident, and you must plan to attend school full time.
When you apply for the American Association Scholarship Program, you must include a personal statement that cannot exceed three double spaced pages. This statement should include information regarding your educational and career goals, your personal history – including extra-curricular activities and achievements, and information as to why you should be selected for this award. Nobody else is allowed to write your personal statement for you.
You must additionally have three letters of recommendation. Of those three letters, one must be written by one of your teachers, and the second one must be from an academic advisor. The third should be from a pastor, a doctor, or any other person who can give the committee an idea of the type of person that you are. Of course, your high school transcript or college transcript will also be required. All applications must be received by the middle of November in order to be considered. Additionally, for promotional purposes for the disability scholarship program, you must agree to allow the AAHD to use your picture, name, and some information in the future.
It has long been the mission of the AAHD to improve the lives of those with disabilities, by contributing to research and public awareness, and the American Association Scholarship on Health and Disability is just another example of how important the organization is to those who have disabilities.
I have Arginase Deficency, one of the Urea Cycle defects. I was diagnosed at 4 1/2 years old. I would like to know if there is some type of funding or scholorships available for my defect. I have applied for Chapman University in Orange, CA. If accepted, my tuition is $37,000 a year, without books, gas or other costs. I am not sure how to start this process. I have applied for Fall 2010.
Jackson,
I haven’t found anything relating to scholarships for Arginase Deficency. Your best bet is to contact your State Educational department for possible assistance for disability grants/scholarships or financial aid. Also inquire into ‘disability scholarships’ at the college you want to attend. They may have grants for your disability.
I have Retinitis-Pigmentosa, an eye disability that is blinding. Is there any scholarships that are available for me? I’m not technically legally blind yet, so it’s making it difficult to find some. Any help? thanks………….
Laura,
go to visually impaired scholarships to read more.
I have Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed around in April of 09. I am looking for any types of scholarship that will be able to help. If you could please get back to me it would really help me out! Thanks!
Brenda,
contact organizations which are set up specifically for your condition that may be able to help or advise you on student aid options such as:
The National Fibromyalgia Association. Also inquire at the financial aids office of a college you may be interested in attending to inquire into disability scholarships/grants/ or some type of financial aid to help you. Call and set an appointment with a financial aids manager at the college to discuss your particular situation. You will be glad you did.
I have serious pain issues, fibromyalgia, severe migraines, arthritis, and horrible stomach issues. I Also have a child with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD and a daughter with ADHD. My husband left me in may, the day before my birthday and I am a full time online student with no income. I can’t seem to find anything that will help me! I have only one session left before I graduate and I do either without help 🙁
Jodi,
go read up the information at government disability scholarships for college. I would also make an appointment with a FinAids manager of your online college too. Read about student loans without cosigners as a last resort.
I have been diagnosed with Chronic pain, Chronic daily headaches, Chronic Migraines, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, TMJ, Restless leg syndrome, and severe multifactorial Insomnia. I graduated high-school last spring, and am now attending Boise state university. I spent most of my high-school days in bed or at the doctor. I was home-bound for three years, and surprised all the faculty at my high-school when I received my diploma. I even went to the mayo clinic in Rochester and im still struggling with my health. I know that my parents are really struggling to help pay my tuition on top of all my medical bills. I work as much as I can to help out, but it is extremely difficult when I am constantly in pain. Do you know of any scholarships out there that i could look into? at this point I want so desperately to help my parents after all they have done for me.
Thanks, Nicole
Nicole,
you can apply to most general disability scholarships as long as the disability can be verified via your/a doctor. Have you contacted your university in regards to disability type scholarships and need based financial aid. It seems like you’d be a good fit for both. You must apply to them to see if you will get them. Start now!
i just been told by my Doctor I have fibromyalgia and I am starting school at Devry on the 27th ,I was wondering if there is ant scholorships I might be able to get?
Dan,
contact organizations which are set up specifically for your condition that may be able to help or advise you on student aid options such as:
The National Fibromyalgia Association. Also inquire at the financial aids office of a college you may be interested in attending to inquire into disability scholarships/grants/ or some type of financial aid to help you. Call and set an appointment with a financial aids manager at the college to discuss your particular situation. You will be glad you did. Apply for any general disability scholarships too.
My daughter is a Junior in high school, and has Tourette’s Syndrome. Does she qualify as this has both mental and physical disabilities?
Ben,
I would call the scholarship sponsor direct and see if they would.
Also search out organizations which offer support with people who have the same disability as your daughter. Many times they have scholarships you can apply to.