STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2024) – Hendricks County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) said the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities that can be used toward educational resources to best meet their learning needs. Funds can be used for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other expenses related to the student’s education.
“When trying to find the best way to educate a child, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Cash said. “These scholarships give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the academic environment that works for their student’s unique needs.”
State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) said scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services and meet certain financial requirements.
“Parents of children with disabilities can face numerous hurdles when it comes to finding the right educational options,” Haggard said. “With these scholarships, we are providing additional funding to help these families access more supportive and effective learning environments for their children.”
According to State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
“A strong educational foundation is key to a better future,” Steuerwald said. “Children with special needs should have the same opportunity to succeed in school as their peers. ESAs can provide these families with financial support to ensure their students’ academic success.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said during the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to the siblings of students who have disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. Students without a disability requiring special education services can receive state tuition support up to $8,000, and students who require special education services support can receive up to $20,000.
“This change empowers Hoosier parents to find the best educational options for their children,” Thompson said. “These scholarships give families more choices to use on the programs and services that can improve their student’s education.”
Applications for eligible students are available until Sept. 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.
