Indy Standard

State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

Morrison explained that the program offers monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used for various educational resources tailored to their learning needs. The funds may cover pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other education-related expenses.

Scholarships are available to Indiana residents aged 5 to 22 who require special education services and meet specific financial criteria.

"Families with children who have disabilities can face unique learning challenges," Morrison stated. "ESAs offer them the flexibility to choose the best academic tools to ensure their children can reach their full potential."

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

"Families of children with disabilities often need additional support to find the right educational environment," Heaton said. "ESAs provide them with the flexibility and funding necessary to tailor their child's education to their specific needs."

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers approved 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 needing special education services support can receive up to $20,000.

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