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 scholarship 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.