Since 2003, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities has provided scholarships to young men and women with disabilities that reside in Los Angeles County. These scholarships assist in furthering the educational goals of disabled students and veterans from proceeds stemming from its Access Awards Luncheon.  The Commission offers multiple scholarships within each of the three (3) categories. 

Bernard Siegel/Bill Tainter Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Bernard Siegel who was a passionate and empathetic advocate for people with disabilities.  He was a distinguished professional in the aerospace industry which included the LEM landing craft that successfully landed a man on the moon.  It is also named after Bill Tainter who was the Executive Director for the State of California Department of Rehabilitation.  He increased representation of people with disabilities in top-level management positions in the Department and was a nationally recognized leader and role model in the disability community.  His work also included developing programs and workshops on disability awareness, as well as presentations on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation. 

Ernest T. Hamilton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Ernest T. Hamilton, Jr., a disabled veteran of the Armed Forces and a life-long advocate for the disabled community, who passed away in July 2007. 

Lastly, the Ruben Anthony Rios Creative Arts & Design Memorial Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Ruben Anthony Rios, disabled artist, and a life-long advocate for the disabled community.    

The Commission on Disabilities collaborates with several agencies to distribute scholarship applications to young men and young women with disabilities who meet guidelines for financial need, and plan to pursue educational goals. These agencies include: Los Angeles County Department of Aging & Disabilities, Los Angeles County Children and Family Services Scholarship Division; local high schools, colleges and universities, as well as the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability, East Los Angeles Regional Centers, State Department of Rehabilitation, Centers for Independent Living, and the Braille Institute. 

Our commissioners are dedicated to serving as positive role models for the recipients.    

We congratulate all past and present recipients. We wish them all the best in their educational and personal endeavors.          

Donations to the Commission can be designated for scholarships by contacting staff via email at  laccod@ad.lacounty.gov or at 213-351-7798 or by donating now at “DONATE NOW.”  

You can also click on the following link for sponsorship opportunities 

NOTE:  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities’ Memorial Scholarship Program was put on hold in 2020, 2021 and 2022.  The Memorial Scholarship Program is anticipated to resume in 2023/24. 

 Bernard Siegel / Bill Tainter Scholarship 

Ernest T. Hamilton, Jr. Veterans Scholarship 

Ruben Anthony Rios Scholarship 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Scholarship applications for the BERNARD SIEGEL / BILL TAINTER, THE ERNEST T. HAMILTON, JR. AND THE RUBEN ANTHONY RIOS CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS will soon resume. 

APPLICATIONS will be available in the Fall of 2023, stay tuned for more information on how to apply!