Self-Advocate Scholarship Program

Applications are Now Open for ANCOR Connect ’26!

Applications for self-advocates to attend ANCOR’s conference in Boston, MA are now open. Learn more about the program and apply by clicking the button below!

Apply Now

The ANCOR Foundation is excited to share the Self-Advocate Scholarship Program! This program helps self-advocates go to ANCOR events. It gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) a chance to meet leaders, connect with others, and grow their advocacy skills.

The Self-Advocate Scholarship Program gives financial support to help self-advocates attend ANCOR events. It helps pay for important costs like travel, hotel, meals, and registration fees, making it easier to attend.

With this scholarship, you can:

• Join workshops, sessions, and networking events.
• Meet other advocates, leaders, and professionals in the I/DD field.
• Learn new skills and ideas to become a stronger advocate.

If you get the scholarship, you will receive:

• Free Registration: Access to all public sessions and events.
• Travel Stipend: Up to $500 to help with travel costs.
• Hotel Stay: We’ll pay for your hotel room for the night before the event and for each night of the event—up to three nights at the event hotel.
• Meals: We’ll give you money for meals based on the government’s daily meal rate for that city. If the event includes a meal (like lunch or dinner), that meal won’t be included in the amount.
• Mentorship: You’ll have a mentor who will help you feel welcome and get the most out of your time at the event.

This scholarship is for self-advocates who:

• Have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). 
• Speak up for their own rights and the rights of others. 
• Are 18 years old or older. 
• Can attend the whole event. 
• Have not received this scholarship in the past three years. 

To apply, complete this application form. Applications to attend ANCOR Connect ’26 (April 21-23, 2026) are due by 11:59 pm PST on January 16, 2026.

Apply Today

To apply, you’ll need to: 

• Complete the online application form.
• If you are submitting a video or audio clip: You do not need to fill out the whole form. Upload your video here.
• If you are filling out the form: Be sure to answer every question before you click “Submit.” 
• Share details about your advocacy work and explain why you want to attend the event. 
• (Optional) You can include a letter of support from a mentor or organization that knows your advocacy work and wants to recommend you. 

Attending ANCOR’s annual conference is a powerful way to build your skills as a self-advocate, meet others in the I/DD community, and gain insights into the latest developments in advocacy and support. This scholarship is here to help make sure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of your participation. 

Important Dates

• Application Opens: December 16

• Application Deadline: January 16

• Award Notification: February 6

• Conference Dates: April 21–23, 2026

For more information about the Self-Advocate Scholarship Program, please contact Sasha Sencer at [email protected] at or call 919.270.0773. We’re here to help with any questions you may have about the application process. 

You have a powerful voice—and the Self-Advocate Scholarship Program helps you use it. Join the I/DD community, build new connections, and keep growing as a leader and advocate.