This list is not intended to be a complete listing of all organizations which provide financial assistance, nor is it intended to be an endorsement of any organization or publication. All of the sources included are nationwide in scope.
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 1004
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 467-5081
(800) 424-8666
Provides scholarships to blind post-secondary students annually.
Also publishes a listing of other scholarships available to blind and
visually impaired students.
Opportunities for the Blind, Inc.
PO Box 510
Leonardtown, MD 20650
(800) 884-1990
Provides financial assistance for career-oriented purposes such as
graduate school tuition assistance, vocational grants, job counseling and
placement services, aids and appliances. Deadlines for applications are:
February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 1st.
Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students Available
The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office has a variety of information resources available for blind and visually impaired students
enrolled in education beyond high school.
* Student Aid Audio Guide The Audio Guide contains an overview of the Department's federal student aid programs including
-Eligibility criteria -Application procedures
-Loan repayment options
-Deferment and cancellation provisions
The Audio Guide also provides information on nonfederal sources of aid. Students can listen to the Audio Guide online at Student Aid Audio Guide The Audio Guide is also available on compact disc. To order copies, please call the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.
The following FSA print publications are available online through the use of a screen reader. They are also available in Braille through the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
* Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Students use the FAFSA to apply for the Department's federal student aid programs. Although the Braille FAFSA cannot be submitted, students may use it as a reference aid. Apply at FAFSA on the Web - U.S. Department of Education
* The Student Guide This is the most comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants, loans, and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid available. The guide explains the programs in detail, including how to apply, and also includes sources of nonfederal aid. The guide is available online at Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
* Funding Your Education This is an introductory publication for students in junior high and high school. It provides general information about the federal student financial aid programs and how to apply for them. It is available online at Funding Your Education: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
* Repaying Your Student Loans This publication, designed for borrowers about to enter repayment, explains loan repayment plans, offers tips on budgeting, and explains options such as loan consolidation so that borrowers can avoid repayment problems and successfully manage and repay their debts. It is available online at Repaying Your Student Loans: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
* Braille Bookmark
Now available in a Braille version is our FSA bookmark. These handy pocket-sized items encourage students to apply online at
FAFSA on the Web - U.S. Department of Education
Apply for a PIN at
U.S. Department of Education - The PIN Web Site
and visit our Student Aid on the Web site at
Student Aid on the Web - Welcome
If you have any questions, please contact our Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243.