Indy Standard

State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Prescott highlighted that the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used toward various educational resources to meet their learning needs. The funds are available for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other related expenses.

"This scholarship helps parents provide the best schooling for their children with disabilities," Prescott said. "I urge eligible families to take advantage of this great opportunity and receive support to access high-quality education resources tailored to their child's needs."

Rowray noted that scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.

"Families can unlock new doors to academic resources that can give their child the chance to learn and grow in an environment more tailored for them," Rowray said. "ESA funds can cover expenses for specialized programs and learning tools like tuition and therapies."

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to include 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, while those requiring 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, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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