Assistive Technology Scholarships and Grants in The United States

Navigating life with blindness or low vision can create some financial burdens. There's a silver lining, however: a range of organizations across the United States is dedicated to offering valuable support, resources, and services to empower individuals in the blind and low vision community.

Here at Envision, we increase the autonomy of the lives of individuals who are blind or have low vision, using groundbreaking technology. We are aware that accessing a world of independence comes at a price and so we compiled a list of scholarships and other financial resources to access assistive technology in the US along with eligibility criteria and step-by-step guide to navigate applications.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Assistive Technology Fund:

National Federation of the Blind's scholarship program, which recognizes achievements and career aspirations, offers over $250,000 annually to blind scholars across the U.S.

• The program offers thirty $8,000 merit-based scholarships through partnerships.
• Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.
• Finalists attend the national convention in July, where scholarship winners are chosen.
• Scholarship winners excel in various fields, from computer science to civil rights law.
• Online applications for the 2023 program are closed, 2024 applications open in December 2023.
• Eligibility: Legally blind, residing in the U.S., 18 years old by July 1, 2023.
• Must pursue full-time post-secondary study in a U.S. institution in the fall.
• In-person participation in NFB National Convention and related activities required.
• Finalists receive support to attend the convention.

Find more information here.

Lighthouse Guild:

Lighthouse Guild offers annual scholarships to visually impaired students pursuing higher education.

• Scholarships range from $10,000 to $15,000.
• Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
• At least one scholarship available for graduate students.
• Scholarships cover various fields, including liberal arts, science, and technology.
• Application period: January to April.
• Required documentation includes proof of visual impairment, academic transcripts, and recommendations.
• Selection criteria: academic achievements, personal statements, and recommendations.

Find more information here.

Association of Blind Citizens:

The Association of Blind Citizens runs the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF). ATF covers 50% of adaptive device or software costs for blind and visually impaired individuals. The program aims to improve employment prospects, independence, and overall quality of life.

• Eligible applicants should have a family income under $50,000 and assets under $20,000.
• Covered products retail from $200 to $6,000.
• Applicants must be legally blind U.S. residents.
• Requests can be submitted twice a year, by June 30th and December 31st.
• Applications are reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and require financial documents.
• Successful grantees must make purchases within 30 days; awards may be reassigned otherwise.
• Applications must be submitted via email.
• Notification of decisions will be given within 45 days.

To apply, use the provided request form and email it to: atf@blindcitizens.org.

Find more information here.

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American Council of the Blind:

ACB Scholarship Program established in 1982 by the American Council of the Blind (ACB) offers educational scholarships from $2,000 to $7,500.

• Scholarships available for freshmen, undergraduates, graduates, and technical college students.
• Intended for tuition, fees, room and board, and assistive technology expenses.
• Applicants must be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA for most scholarships.
• Students can be full-time or part-time (at least 32 hours of work per week).
• Active involvement in school and the local community is required.
• Scholarships granted to students attending post-secondary institutions in the United States.

Find more information here.

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American Printing House:

American Printing House for the Blind (APH) offers STEM scholarship opportunities.

• Scholarships designed for students with visual impairments in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Recipients can receive up to $3,000 to cover education-related expenses.
• Eligibility: Legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education with a strong interest in STEM.
• Application period typically opens in January and closes in March.
• Selection criteria include academic achievements, recommendations, and a personal statement.
• APH STEM scholarships provide essential financial support for visually impaired students aspiring to excel in STEM disciplines.

Link: https://www.aph.org/stem-scholarship-opportunities-for-students-with-visual-impairments/

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Other financial resources

We recognize that the scholarships listed above cater mostly to students who are blind or have low vision. Not everyone falls within these conditions, yet you have unique assistive technology needs—whether to enhance your professional life or to lead a more independent life. We have got you covered with a network of organizations and charities ready to offer financial aid to those seeking assistive technology devices.

It's important to note that unlike scholarships, the criteria for availing grants for assistive technology devices aren't as rigidly defined. Each case is unique, requiring personal interaction with the organizations. You'll need to articulate your specific needs and how the requested devices will contribute to your well-being.

To assist you on this journey, we've compiled a list of institutions known to extend financial aid. It's crucial to keep in mind that this assistance relies on the presence of local chapters in your area and the particulars of your situation. Nevertheless, we encourage you to connect with them. By reaching out, you can potentially alleviate a significant portion of the financial burden associated with acquiring assistive technology devices.

• Lions International Club
• Sight Savers
• The Lighthouse Guild

If your organization is interested in offering financial support to people who are blind or low-vision, enabling them to access life-changing assistive technology such as the Envision Glasses, please get in touch with us. We would be delighted to include your organization in our list of supporters.

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Conclusion:

From the National Federation of the Blind to American Publishing House, these scholarships are more than just financial aid; they unlock the full potential of people who are blind or have low vision. We hope that our guide will help you seize opportunities and rewrite your futures.

Disclaimer: This article offers general information and the criteria may change. It's crucial to verify eligibility and requirements with the organization offering financial help before applying for any grants.

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