Scholarship for SUCCESS (Scholarship for Underserved Clients Creating Empowering Solutions Successfully)

The SUCCESS Fund provides access to comprehensive blindness skills training for candidates who are unable to be funded by their state's vocational rehabilitation agency. This scholarship was established by an anonymous donor to enable those who cannot receive traditional funding to access critical services.

Award Details

Geographic Scope: United States (priority given to those who can provide partial tuition, not to exceed $2,500)

What is Covered

The scholarship covers:

• Three months of comprehensive blindness skills training
• Orientation & Mobility
• Techniques of Daily Living
• Braille instruction
• Keyboarding
• Assistive Technology Training
• Adjustment to Blindness Counseling
• Vocational Evaluation and Counseling
• Travel, room and board, and all meals
• Laptop with adaptive software necessary to access programs
• Training performed directly on provided laptop

Eligibility Requirements

• Proof of blindness required
• Medical records: Last two medical visits
• Proof of income required
• VR status verification: Proof that state vocational rehabilitation (VR) will not pay for comprehensive blindness training and documentation of denial
• Do not qualify for VR services, OIB services, or other funding sources
• Priority: Given to those who can provide a portion of tuition (not to exceed $2,500), demonstrating community support and accountability

What They Don't Fund

Funding is only available to those who do NOT qualify for:

• State vocational rehabilitation (VR) services
• Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) services
• Other funding sources

Contact Information

Director of Recruiting and Retention: Rebecca Reid

• Phone: 501-664-7100 extension 265
• Email: rreid@wsblind.org
• Address: 2811 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72204

Background

WSB is a comprehensive rehabilitation and training organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States and around the world to achieve sustainable independence through life skills and career training.

Application Process

1. Complete Application Form
   • Submit scholarship application through "APPLY NOW" link on website
2. Required Documentation
   • Proof of blindness (medical certification or official documentation)
   • Records from last two medical visits
   • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements)
   • Proof of VR denial: Documentation showing that state vocational rehabilitation will NOT fund your comprehensive blindness training and the reasons for denial
3. Essay Submission
   • Submit essay explaining:
   • Why you need this training
   • How you will benefit from this training
   • How the training will increase your independence
4. Community Support (Recommended)
   • Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from friends, family, church, and civic organizations to contribute toward the tuition (not to exceed $2,500)
   • Demonstrates community accountability and support
5. Review and Notification
   • WSB Recruiting and Admissions Department will review application and contact applicant

Questions

For questions about the SUCCESS scholarship program, contact Rebecca Reid at 501-664-7100 extension 265 or rreid@wsblind.org.