Blog
Legislators: Students With Disabilities Have Help
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties and portions of Fountain, Jasper,
Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Montgomery County lawmakers are encouraging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) 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.
“Offering tailored educational options is vital for students with disabilities,” Baird said. “These scholarships empower parents to choose the resources and support systems that best meet their child’s specific learning needs.”
State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) 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.
“Some students have disabilities that require additional help with school like tutoring or supplemental materials,” Genda said. “Education Scholarship Accounts can help cover the expenses, so they can stay on track academically.”
According to State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
“Children do not all learn at the same pace and for a child with disabilities, it can be hard to find resources and opportunities to supplement their education,” Negele said. “With Education Scholarship Accounts, parents can cover expenses such as therapies, tutors and additional materials to set their students up for 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.