Category: illness scholarships

Disability Scholarships for Financial Aid

There are really nice disability scholarships offered by some new disability related organizations worth looking into. Summary of disability financial aid.

Disability Scholarships for Financial Aid
Disability Scholarships for Financial Aid

There are really nice disability scholarships offered by some new disability related organizations worth looking into. Below are a summary of those disability financial aid.

Rehabmart.com Disability Scholarships

Rehabmart.com that are worth looking into because there are multiple awards given out yearly which increases the chances of winning. Rehabmart.com has established a $25,000 scholarship fund for students with disabilities, and for students pursuing a college degree in a health sciences/healthcare-related field, along with students pursuing special education degrees.

Rehabmart is owned and operated by Occupational and Physical Therapists who also happen to be parents of disabled children. They have designed their Scholarships to promote awareness to the cause of making higher education accessible for students living with disabilities. Rehabmart.com strongly feels that this is a way for them to give back, while at the same time showing their gratitude for the healthcare, health sciences and special education professions.

In 2016 there were 35 Rehabmart scholarship winners from a pool of 900 applicants who responded. This was the very first year that the scholarship was offered by Rehabmart.

Students can apply online for a chance to win from $250 to $2,500 by writing a short thoughtful essay about this question posted on their scholarship website page:

“What medical device, technology, or therapeutic technique do you believe has made the biggest difference in the life (or will make in the future) of a disabled adult or child? Tell us what your chosen device / technology / technique is, and explain how it has/will make a difference”.

The essays most considered are ones which have 250 or more words in them, and are clear, concise, and informative biographies having pertinent material such as how applicants overcame their own physical & mental challenges, what extra-curricular activities they participate in, what causes they volunteer for, and alternative ways that people are helping others.

Students with a disability of ANY major can also apply too for a chance at winning one of the awards; and not just health science students and special needs education. There will be multiple disability scholarships given out to those qualified fitting the scholarship criteria. The deadline date for all submissions is May 31st.

To apply go to the Rehabmart Scholarships.

Axon Optics Migraine Story Scholarships for Disability

Axon Optics has a $1,000 disability scholarship for students affected in one way or another by migraine. Any full time student can apply too. To apply, applicants must submit an essay with no more then (300) words, OR a video less then one minute, OR an image such as a drawing or photograph, or similar: on answering ONE of these questions:

1) What is your migraine story?
2) What is your light sensitivity story?

This MUST be submitted on the applicants social media account!

This past year’s submission deadline has just passed (November 30th) , but you can apply for next year.

Axon Optics is a provider of eyeglasses and contact lenses that block the wavelengths of light shown to reduce light sensitivity & migraines. They assist hundreds of individuals who suffer with this incurable debilitating illness. It is estimated that over 10% of the population suffer from migraine headaches and it has become the eighth most disabling illness in the world today.

ASAN Autistic Scholars Fellowship Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization run by and for Autistic people. It was started for the disability rights for the Autistic community. They work for Autistic public policy changes, cultural activities, information, education, and advocacy relevant Autistic projects.

Up to six students have a chance to win $5,000 in tuition disability scholarships who suffer from autism. Applicants will be screened based on a strong background in civil rights activism, a commitment in working in an inclusive fashion, and building up of the the Autistic cause in their college – all for Autistic people. November 15th is deadline yearly.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Disabilities Scholarships for Graduate Students

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers up to (15) scholarships, $ 5,000 each, for students enrolled full time in graduate study in a communication sciences and disorders program in the US. Two each will be awarded for minority, international, and NSSLHA students. It appears that this award does NOT need applicants to have a disability to apply; but asking them first would be advisable before applying.

The ASHFoundation started in 1946, is a charitable organization that supports the advancement of knowledge in the field of communication sciences and strives to assist the lives of people with hearing, speech and language disorders. Its estimated that 49 million Americans are affected with a speech-language-hearing disorder of some kind.

Bella Soul Disabled Scholarships

The Bella Soul Yow Sibling disability scholarships are for full time students who actively participates in taking care of their sibling with a physical ailment, physical disease, and/or physical disability – ie. suffering with some type of chronic illness or physical disability. Not based on GPA. Applicants are to write a three page double spaced essay about what it’s like taking care of a sibling afflicted with a disease/disorder of some type:

1) Explain day to day routine.
2) Explain what you have learned from your sibling who is confronting a disability?
3) What advice would you give to another individual confronting similar adversity?

Applicants do not have to be suffering from a disability to apply to this scholarship either.

Chronic Kidney Disease Scholarships

Chronic kidney disease scholarships are available to kidney disability patients to assist in the cost of pursuing a higher education.

kidney disease scholarships
Chronic Kidney Disease Scholarships

Chronic kidney disease scholarships are available to kidney disability patients to assist in the cost of pursuing a higher education. The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana provides The Larry Smock Scholarship to kidney patients who live in Indiana and who are pursuing a post-secondary education in either a monitored occupational or academic setting. To qualify for this scholarships, applicants must have received a kidney transplant or be on dialysis. Indiana residency is also a requirement.

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio also offers a scholarship to kidney patients as well. Each kidney scholarship application is carefully reviewed by a Medical Advisory Board. The goal of the scholarship program is to enhance the lives of individuals through personal success and education.

The Kidney & Urology Foundation of America Scholarship Award provides an educational scholarship as well as an awards program for urology and kidney patients. This award is given to college-bound students who are between the ages of 17 and 25 and who have kidney disease. Scholarship recipients receive up to $2,000 per year. This scholarship is renewable for a total of four years. The Foundation also awards the Covelli Family Achievement Award. This award is given to young patients to recognize them for having improved their life or academic skills. Recipients receive up to $500 along with a certificate of acknowledgement. The deadline to apply is May 25th.

The Neyhart Scholarship was created by Clara and Greg Neyhart and will award its first scholarship winner in July of 2012. Applications were made available in January and are accepted through April 15th. The scholarship was established to support patients living with kidney disease or children of patients with kidney disease. Clara Neyhart has spent her professional career working with patients with kidney disease in her work as a nurse with the UNC Division of Nephrology & Hypertension. Greg Neyhart is a college chemistry professor.

Patient rehabilitation kidney scholarships are also available to patients who are living with kidney disease. These kidney disease scholarships for disability students have helped to foster independence in patients since 1984. The deadline to apply is March 28th. In order to be eligible for these disabilities scholarships, applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a clear employment goal. The maximum yearly scholarship award is $3,000. Scholarship recipients are allowed to apply again each year until they have used a sum total of $6,000 in scholarship funds. All applicants must be a current patient of Northwest Kidney Centers or a past dialysis patient of the center who has received a transplant within the past five years. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Washington State and must be at least 18 years of age.

The Peter and Bruce Bidstrup Memorial Scholarship was originally established in 1984 by Carol G. Bombeck, who was Executive Director of the Arizona Kidney Foundation. The fund was established in honor of her two sons, both of whom did not survive kidney disease. This was the first scholarship program in the country to directly assist transplant and dialysis patients in achieving their educational goals.

The program is primarily funded by private donations and memorials. It was Carol’s dream to establish a source of scholarship funds that would be easily accessible to renal failure patients throughout Arizona. Ultimately, Carol hoped to improve the quality of life for kidney patients, while allowing them to become self-sufficient. Today the Bidstrup Memorial Scholarship Fund provides transplant and dialysis patients with tuition and books. Students receiving this scholarship have used their disability scholarships to study a variety of subjects while attending technical institutes, community colleges and universities.

The National Kidney Foundation serving Kansas and Western Missouri also offers the Culpeppeer Exum Scholarship. This is a $1,000 chronic illness scholarship available to individuals with kidney disease. Applicants must live in Kansas or Missouri and have a diagnosis of kidney disease. The scholarship was founded by Beth Whitten, a nephrology social worker in memory of her brother, a diabetic who was on dialysis prior to his death in 2002. Two scholarships will be awarded in 2012. The deadline to apply for these chronic kidney disease scholarships is May 11th.

 

Disability Scholarships for Immune Deficiency

The Immune Deficiency Foundation scholarships can offer tremendous assistance with educational funding. The IDF scholarships are disability scholarships.

immune deficiency scholarships
Immune Deficiency Scholarships

The Immune Deficiency Foundation scholarships can offer tremendous assistance with educational funding. Also known as the IDF scholarships, these disability scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who live with primary immunodeficiency diseases and who are also working toward completing their secondary education.

Immunodeficiency disorders occur when part of the immune system is either not present or simply does not properly function. Primary immunodeficiency disorders occur when the cause of the immune deficiency is not caused by drug treatment, another disease or environmental exposure to toxins. In most instances primary immunodeficiencies occur as the result of a genetic disorder. Most such cases are found in children who are under the age of one, although in some cases milder forms may not be noticed until adulthood. Approximately 1 in 500 people are born with a primary immunodeficiency.

More than 80 different kinds of primary immunodeficiency diseases have been identified by the World Health Organization. Some forms of this condition are so mild they may easily go unnoticed for several years. Other forms are so severe they are noticeable immediately upon birth. Treatments are available to assist in boosting the immune system, allowing many children with primary immunodeficiency disorders to lead lives that are fairly normal; even going to school.

Although years ago a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency would have meant a compromised life for the patient as well as their family, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy allows patients today to live lives that are healthy and productive. Many patients living with IDF often find one of the greatest struggles is obtaining the right resources and information when needed. IDF was founded with the goal of meeting such needs and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to patients and their families living with primary immunodeficiency disorders.

These goals have now been extended through the offer of IDF scholarships for disabled students to assist patients diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency disorders, who wish to pursue a secondary education.

The Eric Marder Scholarship Program is open to applicants from patients with a primary immunodeficiency condition which has been classified by the World Health Organization. This immunodeficiency scholarship is intended only for undergraduate students who are entering a technical training school or college. The IDF scholarship is made possible through generous donations in honor of Eric Marder. Eric was a young man who lost his life at the age of 28 from complications associated with Common Variable Immune Deficiency. The disability scholarship program has been established to honor the memory of Eric, while also assisting students living with primary immunodeficiency diseases who dream of completing college. The deadline to apply for this IDF scholarship is March 31.

IDF also sponsors the Varun Bhaskaran (WAS) scholarship program. This is a new Immunodeficiency Foundation scholarship that was established to assist graduate or undergraduate students who have been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome or WAS. This disabilities scholarship was created by Deepak and Ramya Bhaskaran in loving memory of their son Varun. Although Varun died as a result of WAS complications, during his short lifetime he touched the lives of many. The deadline to apply for this IDF scholarship is March 31st.

The Immune Deficiency Foundation was initially founded by families with children suffering from primary immunodeficiency diseases as well as their physicians in order to help in meeting their needs. Today the organization thrives in its continued dedication to helping persons with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Originally established in 1980, the IDF has offer information to approximately 250,000 individuals around the country who have been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency condition.

While IDF was founded in 1980, it was not until 1986 that the first IDF scholarship for disabled students was established. In 2007, the scholarship program was named in honor of Eric Marder. Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded 488 scholarships for immune deficiency. These disability scholarships have totaled $600,125.

The value of Immune Deficiency Foundation Scholarships ranges from $750 to $2,000. Approximately 30 to 40 scholarships are available. The immunodeficiency scholarships are available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. These are one-time disability scholarships only and are not renewable.

Chronic Illness Scholarships for Disabilities

Chronic Illness scholarships for disabilities are available to students who are interested through institutions of high learning but living with chronic diseases.

Chronic Illness scholarshipsChronic Illness scholarships for disabilities are available to students who are interested in getting degrees through institutions of high learning but are also living with chronic diseases. The programs designed for this purpose are very often inspired under the hope that by providing some financial assistance students with chronic diseases will be able to better attend school with fewer worries on their minds. Students who have lived their entire lives with a disease, or some portion of a recurring and debilitating illness, have often struggled quite enough as it is. By relieving the financial burden of higher education costs their lives are in all hopes made a little easier.

Such illness scholarships are provided at many different levels – nationally in some instances by large non-profits and regionally by colleges or groups with more local mandates. Those students who have lived their lives with a chronic illness should consider these programs. However, interested students should know that not all programs are designed with all diseases in mind, and they should look over eligibility requirements to make sure that the chronic illness scholarship they are interested in does in fact apply to them.

Amongst the organizations which provide chronic illness scholarships, the Foundation for Science and Disability gives out multiple $1,000 awards every year. This particular illness scholarship is specifically offered to graduate students looking to continue their education. All applicants must be studying a STEM course (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and must also be citizens of the United States. Applicants should also be suffering from a disability for chronic illness which otherwise incapacitates them. The deadline for this program is December 1.

The Incight Education program provides a varying number of scholarships every year which range from $750 to $1,000. This program is limited to students who are suffering from a chronic condition which is debilitating. While the number of recipients varies, in 2010 over 80 different students received awards from the organization. There are very few eligibility requirements for this program outside of having a documented chronic disability and attending school full time. Deadlines for future academic cycles will be posted on the Incight website, so students should pay attention and stay tuned. Interesting to note about this program is the potential of going to a “matching” partner school. This illness scholarship allows students who are attending specific schools to have their award amount matched by the institution they are attending. Students interested in this option should review the schools which participate in the matching program.

Not all chronic illness scholarships for disabilities are available only through these nationally oriented programs. Many different universities provide their own illness scholarships which students should be interested in considering. Those students interested in finding chronic illness scholarships at their own academic institution should consider checking with their local office of Continuing Education or Department of Financial Aid. The Timothy Weise Memorial Scholarship is a good example of such a program available at San Francisco State University. The award amount given out by this program is $600. All applicants will need to have at least a 2.5 grade point average, have a financial need as shown by their FAFSA filing, and be registered with the school’s Office of Disability Resources. Students who are enrolled in a graduate program at San Francisco State University will be able to apply for this illness scholarship as well but must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Chronic illness scholarships largely focus around those conditions which cause debilitating effects in their victims. Not all programs are equal, but all provide something which a student will be able to use. Students who are suffering from exceptional disabilities should also consider making use of equipment scholarships which are also offered by many organizations or schools which help provide assistance for equipment an individual may need to make their student experience better in the long run. Students should find that organizations and schools offering illness scholarships are genuinely interested in providing them the support they need to have a successful run in their chosen college, and interested applicants should consider all available options at their disposal.

MS Scholarships for Disability Students

A multiple sclerosis community exists at both national and regional levels which provide MS scholarships for disability students who meet specific requirements.

ms-scholarships
MS Scholarships

Fortunately an incredibly supportive multiple sclerosis community exists at both national and regional levels which provide MS scholarships for disability students who meet specific eligibility requirements. Living with a disease like multiple sclerosis can be incredibly difficult. This becomes no less true for those living with MS who are also going to school. While this does not inherently make the disease any more difficult to handle it does make going to school sometimes hard, especially for those students in an advanced stage of the disease in which their primary motor skills have been compromised. Looking for financial support for school adds yet another burden to the lives of those living with MS.

While certainly not being able to provide an multiple sclerosis scholarship to every student interested in receiving financial aid, the availability of such programs is fairly wide spread. Students who are seeking an MS college scholarship should always check with their college’s financial aid and disability services departments as there are many instances in which universities offer MS scholarships to disabled students with the disease attending that specific institution. Beyond these options students with a particular zeal should consider approaching local charitable organizations such as the Lion’s Club or Moose Lodges and speak with somebody regarding their medical condition asking if there is any funding available locally for students with severe medical issues.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) provides many multiple sclerosis scholarships for disability college students annually; in 2010 giving almost one million dollars total to 470 students. This national MS society scholarship awards at a minimum $1,000 and at max $3,000, determined by financial need qualifiers and other merit based factors.

In order to be eligible for the NMSS Scholarship for multiple sclerosis students must currently be high school seniors either with MS themselves for with parents who are living with the condition. All applicants must be United States residents and planning to enroll in an accredited US college. In order to receive the award after enrollment in a college, students must maintain at least 6 credit hours during the semester in which the scholarship is applied. These MS scholarships may be reapplied for so long as students are in school and are maintaining their minimum requirements in order to qualify for an award. The deadline for this scholarship is in mid-January and opens every year in October. Though the 2011 awards have already been given out, students should check in during October to check on 2012’s deadline.

Another available MS scholarship, offered for students attending Northern Arizona University, is the Emily Marie Benson Memorial Scholarship. This multiple sclerosis scholarship provides $10,000 to help cover tuition, various school costs, housing expenses, and should any money be left after these expenses are covered, extra cash for recipients. In order to be eligible for this MS scholarship interested students must be US citizens. All applicants must have a serious medical condition and provide a resume including personal activities, awards, talents or other information believed to be important. An essay must be submitted describing students are able to work through their medical condition overcoming personal challenges and meeting goals. A letter of recommendation must be obtained from a teacher and a second letter should come from an applicant’s current physician. Applicants interested in this disabled scholarship should fill out their Northern Arizona University financial aid and scholarship forms, submitting additional information regarding their medical condition. When these forms are submitted they will automatically be enrolled for a chance to get the Emily Marie Benson Memorial Scholarship for MS.

Between national, local, and college MS scholarships, students living with MS should be able to find a fair amount of potential funding for their education. These scholarships for MS are competitive and are certainly not available to everybody. In order to better maximize their chances students should start their application process early and be sure to indicate what they have done with their lives to date despite their medical condition. This latter point is very important – these groups want to hear how students have overcome their disability, and the more any applicant can show that they have done this, the better their chances.

Cerebral Palsy Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Cerebral Palsy Scholarships for students with disabilities are rare so it’s best to look for scholarships for the disabled.

Cerebral-Palsy-Scholarships
Cerebral Palsy Scholarships

Cerebral Palsy Scholarships for students with disabilities are not in abundance so students aflicted with this condition are better served by looking for ‘scholarships for the disabled’ in general then just specifically scholarships for cerebral palsy. We will highlite the few that exist.

As a condition cerebral palsy can be difficult and, in some cases, impossible to manage. Resulting from this, it can be hard for those with some form of cerebral palsy to live their lives with relative ease, and this is shown to be true especially with regards to finding financial assistance for students looking to continue their education on into post secondary institutions.

 

The largest network for those with cerebral palsy, United Cerebral Palsy, does not offer anything in the form of national cerebral palsy scholarship programs. This being the most logical source for such disability scholarships to sprout from makes finding such scholarship programs even more difficult, as the group does not even offer a useful scholarship guide for those students interested in continuing their education. Instead they point to affiliate groups which may offer cerebral palsy scholarship awards to needy students. Fortunately, despite United Cerebral Palsy’s inability to offer much nationally in the way of solutions, there are groups and, as UCP vaguely suggests, a number of affiliate organizations which do offer financial assistance to students.

On top of applying for this limited number of scholarships for cerebral palsy, students should also consider applying to broader disability scholarships which are much more widely available and cover a number of various conditions under which those with cerebral palsy may qualify. Of course because these disabilities scholarships are not inherently for those living with cerebral palsy interested applicants should read the eligibility over carefully to make sure that they are able to receive funding from any specific source.

The Pfizer pharmaceutical company does offer a cerebral palsy scholarship which many organizations, including the UCP, direct those with the condition to. This disability scholarship is open to students with epilepsy. The aptly named Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship Award program is open to those with cerebral palsy because epilepsy is a condition commonly associated with the condition. Every year a single $2,000 scholarship is offered to students who have overcome epilepsy in their lives, have strong academic records, participated actively in the community or school groups and have shown a sincere wish to use their education to some great advantage. The selection committee for this cerebral palsy scholarship is made up of those with extensive experience in education and medicine. This should indicate to all interested applicants that a serious desire to expand their education while overcoming their disability will be massively important throughout their application. Other eligibility requirements require students to either currently be in school or having been accepted to a university while under formal medical care for their condition. One letter of recommendation must come from the student’s doctor and a second one must be obtained from a friend, relative, teacher or employer. Along with these letters an essay must be submitted which will consider the challenges an applicant has overcome, what living with the condition has meant to an applicant, who helped them succeed in life or an achievement they are proud of. All application material is due no later than June 15 every year.

Affiliates of the UCP do in fact offer scholarship programs of their own, though this is not true across the board. Students interested in a scholarship from a UCP affiliate should contact the relevant office to see if they offer cerebral palsy scholarships in their area. A good example of a UCP affiliate which offers scholarships comes from the John J. Ingalls Memorial Scholarship as presented by the UCP Metro Boston affiliate office. This program awards three $5,000 scholarships every year in the memory of John Ingalls. This cerebral palsy scholarships are limited to college bound high school graduates or current undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Massachusetts. All applicants must be medically diagnosed with a disability. For application materials and details, interested students should email or call the UPC Metro Boston offices. The deadline for this cerebral palsy scholarship is April 17 of every year.

Other similar types of cerebral palsy scholarships are offered by affiliates in areas such as California. Several sources suggest looking for funding at a more local level from places such as Moose Clubs, Elk Lodges or the Easter Seals. Students should also highly consider the AmeriGlide Achievers scholarships for disabled students program which would make an ideal substitute for cerebral palsy scholarships.

Lupus Scholarships for Disabled Students

If you have been diagnosed with Lupus and want to attend college there are few Lupus scholarships for disabled students available for those with Lupus.

Lupus Scholarship
Lupus Scholarships

If you have been diagnosed with Lupus, and you want to attend college, you should be aware that there are a few Lupus scholarships for disabledstudents available for those who suffer from Lupus. However, while there are numerous scholarships available for other disabilities or even for the disabled as a whole, there are actually very few Lupus scholarships offered specifically for those who have Lupus.

The most well known Lupus Scholarship for disabled students is the LIFE Scholarship. This Lupus scholarship is offered by the Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence. It is awarded each August and January, and may be given to more than one student. The maximum awarded is $500, and the funds are sent directly to the school. The student must have a diagnosis of Lupus, and must be carrying at least six credit hours each semester. Furthermore, he or she must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be involved in at least one extracurricular activity as well. Go to L.I.F.E Lupus Scholarship program to get more information. You can also use this link to apply for this Lupus scholarship for disabled students. You must also have a letter from your physician, verifying your diagnosis of Lupus, your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a 500 word essay concerning how Lupus has affected your life.

The Lupus Alliance of Long Island, Queens, New York has one scholarship for Lupus program, and one Lupus grant program. The scholarship for disabled program is called the Maxine Manara Memorial Scholarship Program, and it awards at least $500. You must have Lupus, and live in Nassau, Suffolk, or Queens to be eligible for this award, and you must show financial need as well. The grant that is offered through the alliance is the Bridge to Education Grant. This grant is awarded to college students who have Lupus, and who live in Nassau, Suffolk, or Queens, and who show financial need. You can get information on both of these programs at Lupus Scholarships.

The Lupus Alliance of American, Upstate New York Affiliate offers the Cheryl Malke Memorial Scholarship Award. You must have Lupus, or be the child of someone who has Lupus in order to be eligible. Furthermore, this Lupus scholarship is primarily for graduate students, or those who have at least completed two years of undergraduate study. There are other eligibility requirements as well, but not a great deal of information can be gleaned from the website at www.lupusupstateny.org. Instead, you will have to call the organization at 800-300-4198.

Another scholarship for people with Lupus is from the Michigan Lupus Foundation. The amount of this award varies depending on the donations received by the scholarship fund. You must be a diagnosed Lupus Patient, and be a resident of Michigan and planning to attend a Michigan school. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for this scholarship for disabled, or to apply, you can visit scholarships for people with Lupus.

As you can see, there really are few options for Lupus Scholarships, but you should also take advantage of any other scholarships for disabilities in general as well, as opposed to those that are only available for specific medical conditions.

Guidelines for disability scholarships.

National Multiple Sclerosis MS Society Scholarships

The National MS Society Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship is awarded to qualified scholars – individuals with a dream to attend college but have limitations.

Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship
Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship

The National MS Society Multiple Sclerosis Scholarships are awarded to qualified scholars – individuals with a dream to attend college but have limitations due to either themselves or one of their parents diagnosed with MS – the disease of Central Nervous System that hampers normal mobility. The society through various donors provides annual scholarships for MS to such individuals to ensure that the mobility in their lives remains smooth, especially for education needs. The National MS Society scholarship was started in 2003 and have MS scholarships of $68,000 in the same year. Since then the Multiple Sclerosis scholarship amount has grown due to the various contributions. The society distributed more than $1 million to more than 500 scholars in 2009. This averages to just over a $2,000 MS scholarship per individual.

The National MS Society with a vision to have the “World free of MS” is working actively to change the lives of the people affected by MS through research, community activities, advocacy and influence. The society has 50-state chapters and affiliations with government organizations and together it utilizes the resources to address the challenges of those affected by MS. Recently the society has committed more than $9 million for research activities to cure the disease & move towards the MS free world.

The annual application process for these disability scholarships for MS needs to be done online and is open from Oct 1 till Jan 15 every year. Dates might vary and hence can be checked online. The application is open for legal residents of the US and the first-time college freshmen only. Age is not a criterion for application but attending an accredited postsecondary school for the first time is. Due to the  health limitations the program does not require enrollment as full-time students but has a pre-defined criteria. The application is not to be done at the state chapters.

The society normally distributes $1000 to $3000 to each individual as per the students need for these disability scholarships. The application requires various documents to be provided that are reviewed during the selection process. The selection panel – staff from state chapters, nationalboard members and people with MS – review all the applications.

With more 500,000 people in the US affected due to MS, this disease impacts the lives of many more due to the dependency and other factors. The MS National Society, with the support from various donors, has brought an active change in the lives of many such individuals & families by providing various facilities including access to Education. Education as a basic necessity for growth is everyone’s need and providing the motivation to get the knowledge and skills is done by the MS Society through the National MS Society Scholarships. Getting the individuals to be mentally active first plays a big part to remove the mental block from the minds of the people impacted by this disease.