Indy Standard

Hendricks County lawmakers are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

State Representative Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) explained that the program offers monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used for educational resources tailored to their learning needs. These funds may cover pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other education-related expenses.

"When trying to find the best way to educate a child, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution," Cash stated. "These scholarships give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the academic environment that works for their student's unique needs."

State Representative Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) noted that scholarships are available for students aged 5 to 22 who live in Indiana, require special education services, and meet specific financial criteria.

"Parents of children with disabilities can face numerous hurdles when it comes to finding the right educational options," Haggard said. "With these scholarships, we are providing additional funding to help these families access more supportive and effective learning environments for their children."

According to State Representative Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon), scholarship funds do not count as income and will not affect other financial aid such as Medicaid that students might already receive.

"A strong educational foundation is key to a better future," Steuerwald remarked. "Children with special needs should have the same opportunity to succeed in school as their peers. ESAs can provide these families with financial support to ensure their students' academic success."

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to include siblings of students with disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. State Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) mentioned that non-disabled siblings requiring special education services could receive state tuition support up to $8,000 while those needing special education support could receive up to $20,000.

"This change empowers Hoosier parents to find the best educational options for their children," Thompson said. "These scholarships give families more choices on programs and services that can improve their student's education."

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