Indy Standard

State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) is urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) before the September 1 deadline.

Heaton highlighted 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 can cover pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other education-related expenses.

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

The scholarships are available to Indiana residents aged 5 to 22 who require special education services and meet certain financial criteria. These 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, Heaton co-authored a 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 can receive up to $20,000.

Applications for eligible students are open until September 1. For more information on providers and qualified schools or to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.