Indy Standard

State Reps. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Mayfield explained that the program offers monetary scholarships to students with disabilities, which can be used 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.

"Every child has unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities," Mayfield said. "These scholarships empower parents to find the resources that best fit their child's individual learning journey."

Haggard noted that scholarships are available to Indiana residents aged 5 to 22 who require special education services and meet certain financial criteria. The scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid such as Medicaid.

"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."

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 themselves. 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.