STATEHOUSE (Aug. 5, 2024) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) 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.
“As a high school principal, our children’s education is such an important topic for me,” McNamara said. “Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the academic setting that works for their student.”
State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) 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 with disabilities require additional help with education such as tutoring or supplemental materials,” Hostettler said. “These scholarships help cover those expenses for families so their children can stay on target academically. The scholarships open doors for families to find the right school or help for their children.”
According to State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.
“These scholarships empower Hoosier parents to find the best educational option for their children,” O’Brien said. “We want students to thrive, and this funding gives them the best opportunity to do just that.”
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.
