Indy Standard

State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) encourages families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Bartels said the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities that can be used toward educational resources to best meet their learning needs. Funds can be used for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other expenses related to the student’s education.

"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."

Scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet certain financial requirements. Scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.

During the 2024 legislative session, Bartels co-authored a new law expanding ESAs to the siblings of students who have 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, and students who require special education services support can receive up to $20,000.

Applications for eligible students are available until Sept. 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and 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.