The David Brown Scholarship for visually impaired journalists
In 2022 my vision loss cost me two corporate jobs back to back. The first job tried their best to make accommodations for my condition. The second did not. Not knowing what else to do, I wrote about the experience. That essay got a lot of attention. It led to other job offers. Suddenly my condition — something that has caused real challenges in my life, that actively cost me money — was the reason I was getting work. I was being championed for not seeing good. I have a lot of mixed feelings about that. Compared to any legally blind person, I see a lot. While I run into issues, the idea of representing the vision loss community leaves me uneasy. That said, if my vision was stronger, right now I’d be working in my second year at a six-figure content job rather than hustling as a freelance artist. So I don’t know. Ups and downs.
It felt like if I was given opportunities for my vision loss, it was my responsibility to offer opportunities to people in similar circumstances. It’s the reason I’ve put together this scholarship. The hope is that by offering some cash (and guidance) to student journalists with impaired sight, we can help them get ahead. I named the scholarship after my late father. He didn’t get to witness any of my success, but was always supportive of my desire to pursue writing on a professional level. It seemed like a nice way to honor his memory. I think he’d get a kick out of all this.
Lastly, when I started talking about the scholarship, Karen and Nikolijne Troubetzkoy — showrunners/creators behind the CTV/CW series Sight Unseen — offered to throw some money into the hat. The show is about a former homicide detective who loses her vision. From the jump, they wanted to support blind and low vision creators. They cast a lead with vision loss. Worked with blind and visually impaired folks to put together the program, not just as consultants but as active participants in the creative process. They’re my current bosses. I’ve been very grateful for their support. This wouldn’t be possible without them.
— Graham Isador
About the application:
You do not have to be BIPOC to apply for the David Brown Scholarship.
The scholarship: $3,000 for a blind or low vision journalist enrolled in a current (or upcoming) post secondary program. It can be used however the recipient sees fit. The money you receive does not have to be put toward tuition fees or school; we understand that cost of living is higher than ever.
The mentorship: Mentees will be paired with two mentors based on individual need, level of industry experience and desired career path. (Two mentors!? Yes, that’s right. In our experience, having two mentors gives mentees a wider range of knowledge and experience to draw from. Plus, one of them can usually be available) Mentors are handpicked for each successful applicant to make sure there’s a great fit. Mentees will be responsible for connecting with their mentors on a consistent basis, alongside scheduled meet-ups. Mentors will also be able to offer additional networking as necessary. One of your mentors will be Graham, the founder of this scholarship who can help provide guidance on navigating this industry as someone with low vision himself.
How to Apply:
Applicants are asked to email in a short cover letter, CV, and bylines (if they have them, writing samples if not). Applicants can send over the cover letter in any format that is accessible to them (written, audio, video).
Your e-mail subject line should be your name, area of interest and what you are applying for: scholarship, mentorship or both. DEADLINE EXTENDED: Please email your application to sharedbylines@gmail.com with relevant attachments by April 30, 2024 May 14, 2024
Applicants selected to move forward will be invited to interview in the summer. We will NOT ghost you; it’s important to us to provide some feedback to all applicants.
This is not the equivalent of an internship or co-op program, and will not be applicable for any formal classroom requirements or other education purposes. This is solely a support in addition to existing schooling.