Scholarship Opportunities for AccessU 2026
Knowbility is pleased to offer an additional schlarship opportunity in 2026. In addition to the annual Jim Thatcher scholarship, we're announcing the Anne Forrest Schlar that will be awarded to an aspiring attendee with cognitive disability. Read on the elarn more an apply for these annual oportunities.
Jim Thatcher Scholarship Application
The Jim Thatcher scholarship was established in 2019 to provide a full, free ticket to the John Slatin AccessU conference in support of people who could otherwise not attend.
Awarded scholarships cover conference fees for in-person or remote attendence for two (2) applicants each year. Travel expenses are not covered.
The annual Jim Thatcher scholarship is named for a renowned accessibility pioneer and Knowbility mentor. When Jim died in 2019, his family established an AccessU scholarship in his honor. Read more about James Winthrop Thatcher, - an American computer scientist, and the inventor of the first screen reader - on Wikipedia.
The scholarship is awarded to two people who apply and meet the following qualifications:
- seeking a career in accessibility
- have a disability
- come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
- can demonstrate previous community involvement
- would not otherwise be able to attend the conference.
Anne Sommerville Forrest Advocacy Scholarship Award
This award was created in 2025 in recognition of two decades of advocacy by Anne Sommerville Forrest. Anne has helped the general public gain greater understanding of the broad, diverse skills of people with cognitive disability. She helps people understand the many contributions they make to society and the need for policies of inclusion..
Anne Forrest is an original member of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC), which was established in 2008 to provide input and feedback on a broad range of activities, especially those involving brain injury awareness and advocacy. She often shares her life journey and her current challenges as the mother of a public school student trying to support her son's remote digital learning experience while simultaneously managing her own struggles with technology.
Anne is an exemplar of tireless advocacy on behalf of people with cognitive disabilities, especially those caused by traumatic brain injury. She is a highly regarded speaker and a passionate advocate for the rights and specific needs of people with cognitive disabilities.
One award will made in 2026 with plans to expand over time through fundraising and awareness.
Please note that the Jim Thatcher Scholarship cannot be awarded to the same individual in consecutive years. If you feel you meet the criteria, please complete the form below.
Applications are open until filled and are considered by a diverse set of reviewers who have experience with Knowbility and are part of the AccessU advisory group. Notifications will be sent by May 1, 2026.
Thanks to our AccessU 2026 Sponsors!
