Blind students pursuing online degrees may apply for scholarships

Blind students pursuing online degrees may apply for scholarships

Blind students who are taking online courses to obtain associates, bachelors or masters degrees may be eligible for financial aid opportunities, such as those being offered by the National Federation for the Blind.

The organization has opened the application process for its 2010 scholarship program, which will help 30 blind students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs pay for their tuition.

Scholarship winners will also have the opportunity to network with other blind students and professionals at the federation's annual convention in July, as the awards include assistance to attend the event.

To be eligible for the scholarships, which range between $3,000 and $12,000, applicants must be blind citizens of the U.S. or Puerto Rico who will be enrolled in a degree-seeking program by the fall 2010 semester.

Through the scholarship program, the organization aims to "[recognize] the outstanding academic achievement of blind students" and promote a "positive philosophy of blindness," said Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind.

Students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education may find convenient and accessible programs through online universities.