At HumanWare, we believe that assistive technology should do more than support education; it should inspire it. That’s why, in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), we’re proud to present the Jim Halliday HumanWare/NFB scholarship, an initiative designed to invest in the next generation of blind and low vision students pursuing higher education.
This scholarship is not just a financial award. It’s a powerful statement: blind students belong in every classroom, every discipline, and every future career path, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), where accessibility can still present significant barriers.
The scholarship supports students in two meaningful ways:
- A $1,000 financial contribution toward tuition
- a Brailliant BI40 braille display, providing reliable access to digital literacy and communication
Now in its second year, this annual scholarship recognizes four outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a drive to shape the world around them. And for the first time, we’re proud to share this program publicly with our broader HumanWare community.
Why this scholarship exists
The Jim Halliday HumanWare/NFB scholarship is named in honor of Jim Halliday, a longtime leader at HumanWare whose work helped shape the field of assistive technology in North America. Jim was more than an executive; he was a trusted advisor to families, educators, and service providers across the continent.
Jim believed deeply that technology should never be an obstacle to success. For him, every product was a tool for confidence, independence, and growth. This scholarship continues that legacy, not just by providing funding or devices, but by investing in students who are ready to lead.
Through our partnership with the NFB, HumanWare has long supported initiatives that champion independence and inclusion. This scholarship is one of the most direct ways to turn that commitment into action.
The value of braille in a digital world
Each recipient of the Jim Halliday HumanWare/NFB scholarship receives a Brailliant BI40 braille display, one of HumanWare’s most trusted tools for braille literacy and professional efficiency. In a world increasingly driven by digital information, access to braille remains essential, not only for education, but for confidence, comprehension, and written communication.
Many students today grow up primarily using screen readers. But as academic and professional demands grow, so does the need for reliable, efficient access to text, especially during exams, lectures, note-taking, or presentations.
The Brailliant BI40 allows students to:
- read textbooks and assignments with tactile precision
- take notes in class discreetly and efficiently
- present professionally, without relying solely on audio output
- write, edit, and review their own work with greater clarity
For many scholarship recipients, this is their first time owning a braille display. The impact can be transformative.
A commitment to students and STEM access
HumanWare’s support for blind students extends beyond hardware and into the heart of our mission. We know that education is a lifelong process, and that early access to the right tools can shape not just a student’s GPA, but their confidence, career path, and long-term goals.
This scholarship is especially meaningful for students pursuing STEM fields, where accessibility is often still catching up with innovation. By removing barriers to information access and supporting braille literacy, we’re helping to level the playing field.
We also recognize that professional development is just as important as classroom learning. Many of our recipients are active leaders in their schools, advocates in their communities, and role models in their fields of interest. They are the ones who will go on to change what is possible, for themselves and for the next generation.
A growing legacy
While the Jim Halliday HumanWare/NFB scholarship is relatively new, the values it upholds have long been central to our work. We believe that assistive technology should be created in partnership with users, not delivered from a distance. We also believe that inclusion is not a feature; it’s a foundation.
By sharing this scholarship publicly, we hope to raise awareness, attract new applicants, and spark conversations about what true support looks like for students who are blind or have low vision.
This is not just about funding. It’s about belonging, belief, and building a future where no student is limited by their access to information.
Meet the 2025 scholarship recipients
This year, four students were selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive the 2025 Jim Halliday HumanWare/NFB scholarship. Their stories reflect resilience, talent, and commitment to accessibility.
Maria Anna Bagry
Elmhurst University, Illinois
Major: BMA-voice performance & AFA-music performance
“These scholarships will help me achieve my dreams and goals, afford further opportunities to develop my talents, pursue higher education and continue breaking barriers in music… I dream of becoming a singer to inspire people like me in the world.”
Sydney Rose Burrell
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Major: business administration, emphasis in management
“Being able to read and write in braille would allow me to regain the level of confidence I once had… It would help me appear more professional, put together, confident, and competent for my professional years to come.”
Andrew Lee
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia
Major: computer science & international affairs
“Presentations like the one I gave in February will only become more frequent as I advance in my career. It’s time I fully embrace braille. The Brailliant will be a valuable step in my personal and professional development.”
Valeria Jacobs
Russell Sage College, New York
Graduate program: instructional leadership (SBL & SDL certifications)
“I currently work as a science teacher, and I aspire to work in school-building leadership overseeing math and science departments. My proficiency in braille has allowed me to work quickly and efficiently in both math and science classrooms, as well as in laboratory settings.”
We congratulate these remarkable students on their achievements and are proud to support their journey toward academic and professional success.
To learn more or apply for the next cycle: nfb.org/scholarship
