Easter Seals Ontario Post-Secondary Scholarship Applications for 2025 are now closed!
Easter Seals Ontario has proudly supported over 300 students with physical disabilities achieve their academic goals since 1996 through our Scholarship Program, totaling over $600,000!
Families of children with physical disabilities often incur significant additional expenses, making it challenging to send their child to post-secondary school. This is why we are so grateful to the donors, volunteers, and staff who generously provide financial support to allow these students to pursue their academic dreams through the Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Program.
To be eligible for a scholarship, all candidates must:
- have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility;
- be a current or past client of Easter Seals Ontario or are able to provide a letter confirming diagnosis from a health care professional;
- have applied or been accepted to an accredited university or college and will be attending full-time or part-time (classes taken in person, virtually or a combination are acceptable);
- and be a resident of Ontario
To learn more about available scholarships and requirements, please check out these FAQ links below. We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your academic, personal and leadership experiences and advocacy skills!
Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must:
- have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility;
- be a current or past client of Easter Seals Ontario or are able to provide a letter confirming diagnosis from a health care professional;
- have applied or been accepted to an accredited university or college and will be attending full-time or part-time (classes taken in person, virtually or a combination are acceptable); and
- be a resident of Ontario
The number of scholarships available range from 10-20 each year
- amounts range from $500 – $5,000 per scholarship
- you may apply for more than one scholarship, even if you have received one or more in the past.
- applicants may apply for multiple scholarships within ONE application (check all that apply).
- some scholarships indicate a preference for students in a specific field of study
Applications must be completed in full, otherwise they will not be considered. Please ensure that you:
- answer ALL questions on the online application;
- prepare to provide details and examples when completing the long-answer questions on the application. Your answers to the questions below will be taken into consideration during the scoring process.
- Q. 24. Describe any of your academic successes or achievements.
- Q. 25. Share information on your participation or achievements outside of school (e.g. sports, activities, or clubs).
- Q. 26. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated leadership and/or advocacy.
- Q. 27. Describe a specific challenge or situation you faced relating to your disability and how it was handled and/or overcome?
A Scholarship Selection Committee will review all applications and reserves the right to offer alternate scholarships based on the number of applications received.
All applicants will be notified once final decisions are made by mid-May, early June.
Visit our online application here
If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarships@easterseals.org or by phone at 416-421-8778 or toll-free at 1-800-668-6252, extension 367.
- All applicants will be notified once final decisions are made.
- Once an award letter has been sent, applicants must respond to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship
- Acceptance by the recipient indicates your permission for Easter Seals Ontario to (possibly) share your photo and approved profile on our website, social media, and Annual Report.
- Scholarship payments are conditional on Easter Seals Ontario receiving:
- Satisfactory evidence that the recipient has been accepted to an accredited university or college (as indicated on the scholarship application).
- A thank you letter from the recipient to the donor by August 1, 2025, as an acknowledgement and recognition of the scholarship.
- Easter Seals Ontario scholarship funds must be applied for tuition in the 2025/2026 academic year; any requests for deferral of funds must be submitted in writing and approved by an Easter Seals Ontario administrator or designate.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): All successful recipients will be invited to attend the Easter Seals Ontario AGM in June 2025, in person or virtually, to acknowledge receipt of their scholarship(s). This is entirely voluntary, and recognition can be done in person or by written statement.
If you would like to donate to our Scholarship Program or find out more – contact us!
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Board of Directors Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2019 by the Board of Directors to help young adults who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.
Eligibility: Must be a current or past Easter Seals Ontario client who has made a significant contribution to their community.
Value: $1,350
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Hodglynn Holsteins Scholarship
Established in 2022.
Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing post secondary education, with preference to a student pursuing studies leading to a career in science or healthcare.
Value: $1,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Connie O’Connor Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2022 in memory of a former Camp Merrywood camper.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education at a college or university.
Value: $1,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
These scholarships were established in 2020 to assist current and former clients who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.
Eligibility: Current or past Easter Seals Ontario client and has been an active volunteer in their community. Five scholarships available.
Value: $1,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Hira Post Graduate Scholarship
Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Post Graduate Scholarship in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.
Eligibility: Preference to a post-graduate student who serves as a model and inspiration for others.
Value: $5,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Hira Scholarships
Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Scholarship Fund in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.
Eligibility: Preference to a student who serves as a model and inspiration for others. Two scholarships available.
Value: $2,500 each
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
John Domenic Caggiula Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2020 in recognition of the life and community contributions of John Domenic Caggiula.
Eligibility: Preference to applicants studying for a career in the skilled trades.
Value: $500
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Kevin and Christy Kelly Scholarship
This scholarship is to support a student whose area of study includes Finance or Business.
Value: $500
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Sal Iacono Family Bursary Endowment Fund
Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.
Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College. Two scholarships available.
Value: $1,500
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund
The Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by Dr Paul Truelove, Past President of the Board of Easter Seals Ontario and Sarah Dell, 1999 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador.
Eligibility: Must live in the Greater Toronto Area (Peel, York, Durham and Toronto) and have had significant community involvement.
Value: $1,250
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Ursula Carsen Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 in honour of Ursula Carsen’s grandchildren and is to support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education.
Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education at college or university.
Value: $500
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Erica Vanclief Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend.
Learn more about Erica Vanclief.
Eligibility: To support a student starting post secondary education at a college or university who can clearly demonstrate that they have been identified as a “cheerleader” for those facing challenges and/or who has made a positive impact in their community.
Value: $1,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Vigneswaran Scholarship
To support a student from a racialized group/community who is starting post secondary education at a college or university.
Eligibility: Preference to a student from a racialized group/community.
Value: $1,000
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Karen, Mark and Quinn Smith Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Human Resources or Business Administration.
Value: $500
Category:
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Board of Directors Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2019 by the Board of Directors to help young adults who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.
Eligibility: Must be a current or past Easter Seals Ontario client who has made a significant contribution to their community.
Value: $1,350
Hodglynn Holsteins Scholarship
Established in 2022.
Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing post secondary education, with preference to a student pursuing studies leading to a career in science or healthcare.
Value: $1,000
Connie O’Connor Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2022 in memory of a former Camp Merrywood camper.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education at a college or university.
Value: $1,000
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
These scholarships were established in 2020 to assist current and former clients who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.
Eligibility: Current or past Easter Seals Ontario client and has been an active volunteer in their community. Five scholarships available.
Value: $1,000
Hira Post Graduate Scholarship
Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Post Graduate Scholarship in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.
Eligibility: Preference to a post-graduate student who serves as a model and inspiration for others.
Value: $5,000
Hira Scholarships
Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Scholarship Fund in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.
Eligibility: Preference to a student who serves as a model and inspiration for others. Two scholarships available.
Value: $2,500 each
John Domenic Caggiula Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2020 in recognition of the life and community contributions of John Domenic Caggiula.
Eligibility: Preference to applicants studying for a career in the skilled trades.
Value: $500
Kevin and Christy Kelly Scholarship
This scholarship is to support a student whose area of study includes Finance or Business.
Value: $500
Sal Iacono Family Bursary Endowment Fund
Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.
Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College. Two scholarships available.
Value: $1,500
Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund
The Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by Dr Paul Truelove, Past President of the Board of Easter Seals Ontario and Sarah Dell, 1999 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador.
Eligibility: Must live in the Greater Toronto Area (Peel, York, Durham and Toronto) and have had significant community involvement.
Value: $1,250
Ursula Carsen Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 in honour of Ursula Carsen’s grandchildren and is to support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education.
Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education at college or university.
Value: $500
Erica Vanclief Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend.
Learn more about Erica Vanclief.
Eligibility: To support a student starting post secondary education at a college or university who can clearly demonstrate that they have been identified as a “cheerleader” for those facing challenges and/or who has made a positive impact in their community.
Value: $1,000
Vigneswaran Scholarship
To support a student from a racialized group/community who is starting post secondary education at a college or university.
Eligibility: Preference to a student from a racialized group/community.
Value: $1,000
Karen, Mark and Quinn Smith Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Human Resources or Business Administration.
Value: $500
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarship applications are usually due in the early spring of the year which the student is commencing their studies in September. Contact the individual scholarship organizations to obtain the application criteria and deadline submission dates.
In addition to the scholarships listed below, contact the university or community college directly to obtain information about other scholarships that might be available.
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarships Canada
Scholarships Canada – The website lists scholarships from across Canada with provides information on eligibility. Listings are updated annually and searchable by multiple categories, including scholarships for students living with a disability. Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries when they create an account. In addition to matching, ScholarshipsCanada.com provides additional resources such as Scholarship Deadline Alerts.
Bloorview School Bursary
The Bloorview School Authority Bursary is awarded to a student with a disability who attended Bloorview School Authority (formerly Bloorview MacMillan Centre) and is/was a client of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, is starting studies in a recognized post-secondary institution (college or university), and has demonstrated achievement with a high academic record, participated in extra-curricular activities and made community contributions through volunteerism.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post-Secondary Scholarships
The program was established to encourage and support students with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus to develop independence and responsibility for their own future educational directions and to assist students to pursue higher education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a degree or graduate certificate or diploma. Value: will be determined on an annual basis.
Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship
The Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship Program was established to recognize youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteerism in the community, and have benefited from services and supports offered by a Children’s Treatment Centre. Applicants must have been a client of an Ontario Children’s Treatment Centre. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership in school and/or in their community, a personal statement, and recommendations by school and community mentors.
Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship
Friends of We Care Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship is awarded to a student with a disability, who has at minimum one full semester left in their post-secondary education. $3,000 will be awarded to the selected candidate. Any interested applicants are asked to submit an application form, along with a 1-2 page letter and/or a 1-2 minute video link describing why they should be considered.
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
A consumer organization with a mandate to encourage self-empowerment of post-secondary students with physical disabilities. The website has a list of various Student Awards/Financial Aid.
Rick and Amanda Hansen Post-Secondary Scholarship
Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1-to-4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities.
The Tamara Gordon Foundation Scholarship
The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial assistance to students with physical disabilities in the achievement of their educational goals and also supports them in making the transition to employment. Scholarship awards range from $750 to $3,000.
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarships Canada
Scholarships Canada – The website lists scholarships from across Canada with provides information on eligibility. Listings are updated annually and searchable by multiple categories, including scholarships for students living with a disability. Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries when they create an account. In addition to matching, ScholarshipsCanada.com provides additional resources such as Scholarship Deadline Alerts.
Bloorview School Bursary
The Bloorview School Authority Bursary is awarded to a student with a disability who attended Bloorview School Authority (formerly Bloorview MacMillan Centre) and is/was a client of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, is starting studies in a recognized post-secondary institution (college or university), and has demonstrated achievement with a high academic record, participated in extra-curricular activities and made community contributions through volunteerism.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post-Secondary Scholarships
The program was established to encourage and support students with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus to develop independence and responsibility for their own future educational directions and to assist students to pursue higher education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a degree or graduate certificate or diploma. Value: will be determined on an annual basis.
Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship
The Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship Program was established to recognize youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteerism in the community, and have benefited from services and supports offered by a Children’s Treatment Centre. Applicants must have been a client of an Ontario Children’s Treatment Centre. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership in school and/or in their community, a personal statement, and recommendations by school and community mentors.
Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship
Friends of We Care Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship is awarded to a student with a disability, who has at minimum one full semester left in their post-secondary education. $3,000 will be awarded to the selected candidate. Any interested applicants are asked to submit an application form, along with a 1-2 page letter and/or a 1-2 minute video link describing why they should be considered.
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
A consumer organization with a mandate to encourage self-empowerment of post-secondary students with physical disabilities. The website has a list of various Student Awards/Financial Aid.
Rick and Amanda Hansen Post-Secondary Scholarship
Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1-to-4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities.
The Tamara Gordon Foundation Scholarship
The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial assistance to students with physical disabilities in the achievement of their educational goals and also supports them in making the transition to employment. Scholarship awards range from $750 to $3,000.
Preparing for Post Secondary Education
RBC Student Budget Calculator – Use the RBC Student Budget Calculator to help you figure out how much money you’ll need to get through the school year. When you don’t have an exact amount to work with, estimate on the high side. You can always go back and rework the figures later.
