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Washington County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) 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.
"It is imperative that we give our children every opportunity to succeed," Engleman said. "Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the perfect setting that fits their student's needs."
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) 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.
"Families who care for children with a disability face many challenges, but providing a positive educational experience shouldn't be one of them," Lucas said. "ESAs help Hoosier students with unique needs succeed while also relieving some of the financial burden for their parents."
According to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
"Students with disabilities may require additional help such as tutoring or supplemental learning materials," May said. "It's important that these families can acquire the resources that will help their children achieve academic success."
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.
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.