As a scholarship provider, creating equal opportunities for all students means including those with disabilities. 

By implementing inclusive practices, you will grant exceptional candidates with disabilities fair access to your funding opportunities.

🌟For detailed information and the why behind every point, check out our Accessibility Guide.

🎯Aim: to help scholarship providers create accessible programs and address potential barriers that may hinder students with disabilities from applying.

Action Item	Status
🔥Commitment Statement
We have a commitment statement that highlights our dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.
We clearly communicate our willingness to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities throughout the application process.
👩‍🏫Awareness and Training
Educate our staff about disability-related issues and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Provide training on disability etiquette, accessibility best practices, and the laws and regulations regarding disability accommodations.
♿ Digital Accessibility
Verified that our scholarship application materials are digitally accessible, following guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Providing alternative text for images, using clear language, and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
🪢 Flexible Formats
Accept alternative forms of submission, Such as audio/video recordings, or alternative text-based formats, alongside traditional written applications.
📅Extended Deadlines
Offer extended application deadlines for students with disabilities who may require additional time to complete the application process.
Clearly articulate your organization’s commitment to accessibility on your website and within all scholarship-related communications.
Evaluate the necessity of certain requirements that may disadvantage students with disabilities. For example, consider whether physical presence at an interview or extracurricular activities can be substituted with alternative methods of assessment.
🚧Individualized Considerations
Take into account specific challenges an individual may face and provide opportunities for candidates to explain any barriers encountered in their application.
📋Accessibility Statement
Accept alternative forms of submission, Such as audio/video recordings or alternative text-based formats, alongside traditional written applications.
Provide contact information for applicants to request accommodations or seek further information.
🙋🏽‍♂️Accommodation Requests
Establish a process for students to request accommodations Examples: providing sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, or materials in accessible formats
The procedure for requesting accommodations must be simple, well-defined, and confidential.
🤝Personalized Support
Assign a staff member to provide support throughout the application process
🏋🏼‍♂️Disability Awareness Training to Evaluators
Educate scholarship evaluators about different types of disabilities and the potential challenges faced by students with disabilities
🏆Focus on Accomplishments
Encourage evaluators to focus on the achievements, not just the applicant’s disability-related experiences
👩‍💻Expert Input
Consider including individuals with expertise in disability advocacy or disability services on your selection committees
🔐Data Protection
Confirm compliance with relevant data protection laws and provide a clear privacy policy to applicantsSafeguard personal information and disability-related data collected
🤫Confidentiality of Accommodations
Disclose disability-related information only on a need-to-know basis

Make sure to download this checklist here!