Get Help with Disability Funding
Need money for school because of a disability? Here's what to do:
- Get in touch with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office.
- Set up a first-time chat with one of our coordinators.
- Fill out the form that fits your needs:
You're welcome to apply for help any time during the year. We stop to catch up every fourth month, so be sure to apply before then. Don't forget to include any papers that prove your disability. We need these to think about your request.
Questions? Contact Stewardship Program Coordinator Anya Cobbler at anyaleah@umich.edu
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
School can be expensive, and students with disabilities might have extra costs. We have scholarships to help you pay for your education and reduce how much you need to borrow.
As you go through the scholarships below, make sure you understand the scholarship requirements for each award. If you need this list in another format or have questions, let us know how we can help!
For Students with Hearing, Visual, and Mobility Disabilities
Saul and Shirley Lederer Merit Award
If you’re connected with SSD and are active in the university community, you can apply for at least $1,000 to help with school costs.
Scholarship requirements:
- Write an essay.
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
Ridley Scholarship
Apply if you need money for school and have a sensorimotor disability or a long-term health issue.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the spring or summer.
For Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Wesley Smith Award
If you’re an undergraduate student who is deaf or hard of hearing and you’re connected with SSD, you could get $500 or more to help with school.
Scholarship requirements:
- Write an essay.
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
Beverly J. Waterman Scholarship for Hearing-Impaired Students
This scholarship is for full-time students who can't hear well and are in good academic standing.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the winter.
For Students with Visual Impairments
Norberto Salinas Memorial Fund
This fund helps students who have trouble seeing and are interested in science, especially those who like math.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
For Students with Learning Disabilities
Nabi Family Fund
Apply if you need help to pay for school or buy tech to help with your schoolwork.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
Burt Black Scholarship
If you have a learning or physical disability, you could win one of two $2,000 scholarships.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript
- Share proof of your disability.
- Write an essay about Burt Black's qualities
Jim and Patricia Read Support Fund
Apply if you’re a student with dyslexia who needs tech to help with school.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the winter.
For Students with Spinal Cord Injury
2024 Craig H. Neilsen Scholarship
The Neilsen Scholarship provides scholarships to create and maintain opportunities for students with spinal cord injury to pursue higher education and lead full lives in and out of the classroom. To reduce socioeconomic barriers to success, these scholarships cover tuition and fees for undergraduate or graduate studies and include supplemental financial support for eligible students. Eligible prospective and current University of Michigan students (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses) can apply for the Neilsen Scholarship Program. In-state, out-of-state, and international students are welcome to apply.
For All Disabilities
Central Student Government Campus Accessibility and Disability Affairs Commission
This is a scholarship for students who need financial help and are involved with SSD.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
E. Royster Harper Achievability Award
Annual award of at least $1,000.
Scholarship requirements:
- Write an essay.
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the fall.
Alex's Great State Race Fund Scholarship
Scholarship support to undergraduate students who are connected with SSD.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Apply in the winter.
Caroline Sherbin Scholarship Fund
Needs-based support for students connected with SSD.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the winter.
Futterman Family Support Fund
Scholarship for undergraduate students connected with SSD. Preference to Dyslexia and/or ADHD students.
Scholarship requirements:
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
- Apply in the winter.
Disability Funding (MONTHLY)
This money can be used for special equipment for disabilities, fun clubs or activities, learning opportunities, and community outreach.
Scholarship requirements:
- Write an essay.
- Show your grades with an unofficial transcript.
- Share proof of your disability.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Helps people with disabilities get jobs, take care of themselves, and live on their own. Visit Michigan Rehabilitation Services for more information.
Additional Scholarship Resources
University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid
Provides information on federal loans and a variety of scholarships. Visit University of Michigan Financial Aid for more information.
Rackham Graduate School
Provides financial assistance options to graduate students. Visit Funding - Rackham Graduate School for more information.
Questions?
Please contact SAAS Stewardship Program Coordinator Anya Cobbler at anyaleah@umich.edu