Indy Standard

State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) are encouraging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

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

"Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities access to the resources they need for their student to succeed without having such a significant financial burden," Bartels said. "These children deserve the ability to thrive in the academic setting that works best for them."

Lindauer emphasized that scholarships are available to students aged between 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet certain financial criteria.

"Giving Hoosier families the opportunity to make the right education decision for their children is paramount," Lindauer said. "These accounts can make that happen by providing financial support to help cover educational expenses."

In the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers backed an expansion of 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 on providers and qualified schools or to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.

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