disABLEDperson Inc. National Scholarship Competition for College Students with Disabilities
Offered by disABLEDperson, Inc.
About This Scholarship
disABLEDperson, Inc. is a California-based 501(c)(3) charity that has run twice-yearly national essay scholarship competitions for college students with disabilities since 2002. The organization also operates a job board for workers with disabilities, and its scholarship program is one of the few in the country open to students with any disability rather than a single diagnosis.
The fall competition is an essay contest: applicants respond to a posted prompt in no more than 1,000 words, and the strongest essay wins a $2,000 award. The Fall 2026 prompt asks which famous person or celebrity from the disability community you would want to meet and why. Essays that exceed the word limit are disqualified, so careful editing matters as much as a compelling story.
Because the competition is open to students at both two-year and four-year schools, and part-time enrollment is allowed when the reduced course load is disability-related, this is an accessible option for a wide range of students. A new competition with a fresh prompt opens each semester, so students who miss the fall deadline can try again in the spring.
Eligibility
- Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (any diagnosis qualifies)
- Be enrolled as a matriculated student at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States
- Full-time enrollment is required, but part-time enrollment of at least 6 credits is accepted when the reduced load is due to disability
- Be a U.S. citizen (high school students are not eligible for this competition)
How To Apply
- Register for the current competition on the disABLEDperson, Inc. scholarship page
- Write an essay of no more than 1,000 words responding to the posted prompt
- Submit proof of enrollment from your college or university
- Submit your entry through the online form by October 28, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific disability to enter?
No. The competition is open to college students with any disability that falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act definition, whether physical, sensory, learning-related, or a chronic health condition.
Can part-time students apply?
Yes, in one situation: if your disability is the reason you are enrolled part time, you may enter as long as you are taking at least 6 credits. Otherwise, full-time enrollment is required.
How often does this competition run?
disABLEDperson, Inc. runs a national scholarship competition twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring, each with its own essay prompt and deadline.