NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Maxey Mapp, who lives with myotonia congenita, which causes episodes of muscle stiffness, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina. He plans to be a physical therapist.

In addition to an MDA Scholarship, he receives need-based financial aid through his school, and the university has helped him find paid summer internships.

Maxey built his financial support by being organized.

Before applying, he created an account on fastweb.com, an online scholarship database, to keep track of the scholarships he was applying for and when they were due.

“You need to stay on top of scholarship applications — most require essays and letters of recommendation.

Some ask you to create a 30-second video.

Pay attention to deadlines and the time you need to meet them,” he says.

 

 

 

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Grace LoPiccolo, who lives with Charco-Marie-Tooth disease and walks with leg braces, is a Saint Louis University senior, majoring in bioethics and Catholic studies. After graduating in 2026, she plans to attend law school.

The MDA Scholarship is her only disability-based financial aid.

She also receives a merit-based scholarship through her school and a tuition contribution for her service as student body president.

Even when applying for funding unrelated to disability, Grace advises not to shy away from framing your eligibility, skills, and goals through a disability lens.

“My general college essays were about my disability.

When I applied to law school, I mentioned why I want to be a disability rights attorney.

Communicate yourself as a real person who also has a disability,” she says.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Because she was in the National Honor Society, Abby Dreyer looked for honors programs at universities and learned that ECSU’s honors program pays full tuition.

She also contacted ECSU’s Office of AccessAbility Services, which linked her to a disability-focused scholarship that helps cover part of her housing and food costs.

“Always do your research on websites and via direct email to accessibility offices,” she advises, noting that each person knows their own needs best.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Abby Dreyer, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and uses a power wheelchair, is studying business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU).

She is an MDA Scholar and wrote a Quest Blog post about transitioning to college and living independently.

Her small-town high school was not helpful in her college search, so Abby took on the research herself.

 

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have little or no income.

State-run agencies provide VR funds to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

They may cover education-related expenses that help position a person to join the workforce.

“We all know it’s more expensive to live as a person with a disability,” says Annie Tulkin, MS, CEO and Founder of Accessible College, LLC.

“The more funds you keep in your own pocket, the more you can live independently in school and after graduation.”

DEAR CITY/COUNTY:

IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MARK AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS                   HOLE IN A MAJOR CROSSWALK WITH A CONE

When something is capable of tripping a pedestrian or tossing a wheelchair user to the ground, we fix it immediately. 

Double utility volts in the curb ramp and uneven pavement also are epic fails of pedestrian mobility.

A bad built environment is why people with disabilities are the most under- and unemployed of all marginalized groups.

Acknowledging a safety threatening hole in the crosswalk and buckled pavement, but neglecting to fix it…

This is like waiting to see a renowned cancer doctor. And she says yes, you have cancer, but I’m not going to treat it.

Pedestrians are not second class citizens.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Annie Tulkin, MS, CEO and Founder of Accessible College, LLC, offers these essential tips for students:

For ongoing financial support, stay in contact with your college or university’s financial aid office and disability or accessibility office.

For support with expenses related to personal care attendants, accessible housing, and transportation, pursue Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funds.