STATEHOUSE – State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Chris May (R-Bedford) encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
Bartels said the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities to help them obtain educational resources that 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 student education expenses.
“Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities access to the resources they need for their student to succeed without having such a significant financial burden,” Bartels said. “These children deserve the ability to thrive in the academic setting that works best for them.”
May said scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet specific financial requirements. Scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid, such as Medicaid, that students may already receive.
“Students with disabilities may require additional help like special educational programs, services, and therapies,” May said. “It’s important that these families can access more resources to help their children achieve academic success.”
During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to the siblings of students with 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.
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/.
