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.
You can apply in Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters. The Winter 2026 semester application period is open from January 6 at 1 pm until March 2 at 9 am.
Usually, each scholarship is paid out by the end of the semester that you apply during.
We will send all applicants an email by the end of the semester to let you know whether you were selected.
Please do not email our scholarships team asking for updates on your application status, as we do not have the capacity to send status updates to all applicants.
Winter 2026 Scholarships
The following links will take you to their scholarship applications. Please read from the detailed list (further below) to better understand how your diasability makes you eligible for certain scholarships.
Beverly J. Waterman Scholarship for Hearing-Impaired Students
Alex's Great State Race Student Support Fund Scholarship
Caroline Sherbin Fund Scholarship
Futterman Family Support Fund Scholarship
Burt Black Memorial Scholarship
Craig H. Neilsen Scholarship for Students with Spinal Cord Injuries -due by 2/28/26 at 11:59 am
Scholarships - Information & Requirements
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
Neilsen Scholarship Program
Supported by the Craig H. Nielsen Foundation
Vision
Individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who care for them, live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities.
Mission
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injury.
Values
Leadership - We lead by example to seek out visionary ideas and improve life after spinal cord injury.
Inclusion - We are committed to breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities, and promoting equity to help people of every background and ability reach their potential.
Excellence - We support research conducted with rigor and transparency and transformative programs that show significant potential to benefit those affected by spinal cord injury.
Creativity - We seek bold initiatives to catalyze progress and encourage innovative thinking that pushes boundaries.
Collaboration - We leverage collective knowledge and encourage sharing of resources and expertise to foster progress and embrace new ideas.
About the Neilsen Scholarship Program
The Neilsen Scholarship Program (NSP) provides scholarships at selected colleges, universities, and community colleges 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 (Associate or Bachelor’s) or Master’s degrees and include supplemental financial support for eligible students.
Scholarship Details
Neilsen Scholars receive the following benefits:
- Tuition and fee coverage
- Michigan Residents: 100% of tuition and fees
- Out-of-State / International Residents: 125% of the in-state tuition cost
- $10,000 annually for housing support (e.g. rent, lease, mortgage payments)
- $6,000 annually for basic support (e.g. food, gas money, technology, sports equipment)
- Up to $15,000 annually for applicants requesting PCA support
Eligibility Criteria
- The student must have an eligible disability: The Neilsen Scholarship Program defines the eligible types of spinal cord injuries students may have to only individuals with neurological and functional impairment due to traumatic SCI, degenerative disease primary to the spinal cord (i.e., transverse myelitis) or damage to the spinal cord due to tumors and surgery. Individuals with spinal dysfunction, paralysis, or pain syndromes caused by other disorders are not eligible (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Chiari Malformation, primary orthopedic disorders, and peripheral nerve injury). If you have questions about if your disability meets the eligibility criteria, please contact erikrob@umich.edu.
- The scholarship program supports undergraduate and master’s degree programs only - please contact erikrob@umich.edu if you have questions about your degree eligibility
- Students at any of the three University of Michigan campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint) are eligible for the scholarship
- Scholarship recipients must meet the admissions standards at the institution. They must maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree program, including the minimum grade point average required by the institution or department, to remain in good academic standing.
- Funding each year after the first will be contingent on the student’s successful academic progress
Application Process
Complete the application form listed below (via Qualtrics), including the submission of a 500 word personal statement that outlines your goals as a future Neilsen Scholar at the University of Michigan. Personal Statements will be evaluated on the basis of their alignment with the vision, mission, and values of the Craig H. Nielsen Foundation and the Neilsen Scholar Program.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FEBRUARY 28th, 2026 @ 11:59PM
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM
Questions and Support
Please contact erikrob@umich.edu with any questions about your application or the scholarship program.
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