Resources for Texas Students Who are Blind

American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT) Scholarships

ACBT awards scholarships each year to college bound students, students that are already attending college, and or students that are attending technical or vocational programs. The ACBT Scholarship Committee has made available the 2016-2017 scholarship announcement and application. The deadline is July 5, 2016 to submit the application, required supporting material, and letter of recommendation. ACBT invites eligible applicants to apply for the scholarships. Applicants do not have to be consumers of the DARS Division for Blind Services, however, they must present reputable references and any information provided regarding the application must be typed. The decision will be made and recipients notified by August 18, 2016. Scholarship recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the ACBT conference and Convention in Austin, September 23-25, 2016. Winners will be honored at the Awards breakfast occurring Sunday morning, September 25, 2016.

Address all questions to Cynthia Julun, ACBT Scholarship Chair via telephone at 409-924-9803 or by email at cjulun@sbcglobal.net

National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBTX) Scholarships

NFBTX awards scholarships to the best and brightest blind students each year at its state convention. Interested students must be legally blind and entering a post-secondary course of study in the fall semester of that year to be eligible. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, financial need and community service. NFBTX members and non-members alike are invited to apply for these awards. The deadline is June 30, 2016.

To apply for National Federation of the Blind of Texas scholarships, complete and submit the online form, application letter and contact information. http://www.nfbtx.org/scholarships.php

All required attachments should be sent to the NFBTX Scholarship Committee. Electronic materials are strongly preferred; however, transcripts and acceptance letters must be sent through standard mail. The NFBT invites applicants to confirm with them that they received all of your materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For additional questions, contact Norma Crosby via telephone at 281-968-7733 or ncrosby@nfbtx.org or e-mail scholarships@nfbtx.org.

American Association of People with Disabilities NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to offer the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. In 2016 the AAPD will offer eight (8) scholarships to 2nd year associate students; undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors; and graduate students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing a career in the communications, media, or entertainment industry. Each recipient will receive $5,625 to help cover the cost of education at their current college or university. The scholarship will be available for the 2016 fall semester. The 2016 application is due July 1, 2016. Students may apply online at: http://www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal-tony-coelho-media-scholarship-program/

Formation of a Blind Students of Texas ACBT Affiliate

The following is endorsed by Kenneth Semien, Sr., President

American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc. (ACBT)

semien@sbcglobal.net

Internet Presence: http://www.acbtexas.org

Andrew De Avila, President of the El Paso Council of the Blind and Board Member of the American Council of the Blind of Texas is eager to begin a dialogue with other college students who may be willing to share and receive support while collaborating within a new group consisting of college students who are blind or visually impaired. It is Andrew’s hope that this group of individuals will support an initiative to promote educational success while attending college. Mr. Avila expressed his concern over a crisis occurring with this population forfeiting completion of their studies because of the challenges they experience with limited support.

He is looking to create a group that is for college students, by college students for the 2016 fall semester. His proposed name is “Blind Students of Texas,” an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT). He says this affiliation would be beneficial to new and seasoned students and would be a support system for each other. More and more blind and visually impaired students are enrolling in online classes and he sees more accessibility questions with these online courses. He hopes students can help each other through these issues and help guide students to the path of receiving their diploma. Mr. Avila invites blind and visually impaired students who want to help other students to e-mail him at Andrew.epcb@gmail.com.

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[Press Release] Governor Abbott Announces Grainger Expansion In San Antonio

06/07/2016 01:33 PM CDT

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that W.W. Grainger, Inc., has opened a new sales facility in San Antonio, Texas.