Empowering Students with Disabilities

For students with disabilities pursuing careers in healthcare, the journey is often marked by both passion and systemic barriers. The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship, established by the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD), bridges this gap by empowering future leaders who aim to improve healthcare access and equity for people with disabilities. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship not only provides financial support but also amplifies the voices of students committed to reshaping healthcare systems through lived experience and academic excellence.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship works, break down eligibility criteria, share actionable tips for crafting a standout application, and highlight the broader impact of this award on healthcare innovation. Let’s pave your path to success!

What Is the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship?

Named in honor of disability advocate Frederick J. Krause, this annual scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities pursuing degrees in health promotion, disability studies, public health, or related fields. Administered by AAHD, the program aims to:

• Increase Representation: Foster a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of patient needs.
• Advance Research: Encourage studies on disability health disparities and accessibility.
• Build Leadership: Cultivate advocates who will shape inclusive policies and practices.

Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded over $100,000 to students nationwide, many of whom now lead initiatives in rehabilitation science, health policy, and adaptive technology.

Why Apply? Benefits Beyond Financial Support

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship is more than a monetary award—it’s a launchpad for meaningful impact:

1. Financial Assistance

• Up to $1,000: Applied toward tuition, textbooks, or assistive technologies.

2. Professional Visibility

• Recognition on AAHD’s website, newsletters, and social media.
• Opportunities to present research at AAHD’s annual conference.

3. Mentorship & Networking

• Connect with AAHD’s network of healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
• Access to webinars and resources on disability advocacy in healthcare.

4. Advocacy Opportunities

• Collaborate with AAHD on campaigns to improve healthcare access for disabled communities.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Disability Status: Have a documented disability (physical, sensory, intellectual, mental health, or chronic illness).
2. Field of Study: Enrolled in a health-related discipline, including:
   • Public Health
   • Disability Studies
   • Rehabilitation Counseling
   • Health Promotion
   • Nursing or Medicine (with a focus on disability)
3. Academic Enrollment:
   • Undergraduate (junior/senior) or graduate student at an accredited U.S. institution.
   • Part-time or full-time enrollment.
4. Commitment to Disability Advocacy: Demonstrate leadership or research improving healthcare access for people with disabilities.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process emphasizes passion and purpose over perfection. Here’s your roadmap:

1. Prepare Materials (Summer/Fall)

• Update Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, research, volunteer work, or advocacy.
• Gather Documentation:
  • Proof of Disability: Medical documentation or a letter from a healthcare provider.
  • Transcripts: Showcasing a strong academic record (minimum 2.5 GPA recommended).

2. Craft Your Essay

• Prompt: “Describe how your academic and career goals will contribute to improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities.” (500–1,000 words)
• Tips:
  • Link personal experiences to professional aspirations.
  • Highlight past projects (e.g., internships, community health initiatives).
  • Discuss specific health disparities you aim to address.

3. Secure Recommendations

• Choose recommenders who can speak to your commitment to disability advocacy (e.g., professors, supervisors, or community leaders).

4. Submit Your Application (Deadline: November 15, 2024)

• Application Portal: AAHD Scholarship Page
• Required Materials:
  • Completed application form.
  • Essay.
  • Proof of disability.
  • Transcripts.
  • Two recommendation letters.

5. Await Results (January 2025)

• Winners are notified via email and recognized publicly in February.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Application

1. Personalize Your Story

• Example: “Growing up with cerebral palsy, I navigated countless medical appointments. Now, as a public health student, I’m designing telehealth tools to reduce barriers for rural patients with mobility disabilities.”

2. Align with AAHD’s Mission

• Reference AAHD’s focus areas (e.g., healthcare access, disability rights) in your essay.

3. Show Impact

• Quantify achievements: “Surveyed 200+ disabled patients to identify gaps in clinic accessibility, leading to ADA-compliant renovations.”

4. Leverage AAHD Resources

• Review past winners’ essays on AAHD’s website for inspiration.

5. Proofread Relentlessly

• Ensure clarity and avoid jargon. Ask a mentor to review your essay.

Success Stories: AAHD Scholars Leading Change

• Maria Gonzalez: 2021 scholar researched barriers to mental health care for Latinx communities with disabilities; now a policy analyst at the CDC.
• Jason Lee: Developed an app connecting deaf patients with ASL-interpreted telehealth services during his graduate studies.
• Lena Patel: AAHD awardee whose thesis on accessible rural healthcare informed federal grant programs.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can international students apply?
A: No—only U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S. institutions qualify.

Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: Yes! Past winners can reapply, provided they still meet eligibility criteria.

Q: What if I’m undecided about my health career path?
A: Emphasize your commitment to disability advocacy. Clarity about goals strengthens applications.

Q: Do I need a 4.0 GPA?
A: No. AAHD values passion and impact over perfect grades, though a 2.5+ GPA is recommended.

Alternative Scholarships for Health Students with Disabilities

If ineligible, consider:

1. Microsoft Disability Scholarship: For students in STEM or healthcare fields.
2. Baer Reintegration Scholarship: Supports students with mental health conditions.
3. CHADD Scholarship: For students with ADHD pursuing healthcare careers.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Only 19% of healthcare providers have disabilities, despite 26% of U.S. adults living with one. The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship addresses this gap, ensuring future healthcare leaders reflect the communities they serve. As 2022 scholar Emily Torres notes, “This award reminded me that my disability isn’t a limitation—it’s the reason I’m driven to innovate.”