Indy Standard

State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Chris May (R-Bedford) are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

Bartels explained 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.

"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 stated. "These children deserve the ability to thrive in the academic setting that works best for them."

May noted that 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.

"Students with disabilities may require additional help like special educational programs, services and therapies," May remarked. "It's important that these families can access more resources to help their children achieve academic success."

In the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported 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 requiring 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/.

State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, encompassing all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties as well as parts of Dubois and Orange counties.

State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of Lawrence County and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.