Indy Standard

State Reps. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) and Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) are encouraging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Patterson stated that the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used toward educational resources tailored to their learning needs. The funds may be allocated for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other related expenses.

"This is a great scholarship that allows families of students with disabilities to choose the best path for their child," Patterson said. "With these funds, families can seek specialized programs and educational tools that cater to their child's age, learning style and requirements."

Zimmerman highlighted that scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet certain financial criteria.

"Students with disabilities can face complex challenges and that's why families need flexibility when finding the best educational environment," Zimmerman said. "These scholarships relieve some of the financial burden for parents so they have more options to make sure their child can succeed."

The scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid such as Medicaid that students may already receive.

During the 2024 legislative session, Patterson and Zimmerman co-authored a new law expanding ESAs to include 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, while those requiring special education services support can receive up to $20,000.

Applications for eligible students are open until Sept. 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.

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