Indy Standard

State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) is urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

McNamara 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.

"As a high school principal, our children's education is such an important topic for me," McNamara stated. "Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the academic setting that works for their student."

The scholarships are available to Indiana residents aged 5 to 22 who require special education services and meet specific financial criteria. These scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.

During the 2024 legislative session, McNamara 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 needing special education services support 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.

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