Indy Standard

State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) is urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

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

"Children do not all learn at the same pace and for a child with disabilities, it can be hard to find resources and opportunities to supplement their education," Negele said. "With Education Scholarship Accounts, parents can cover expenses such as therapies, tutors and additional materials to set their students up for success."

Scholarships are available to students aged 5 to 22 who live in Indiana, require special education services, and meet certain financial criteria. The scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.

During the 2024 legislative session, Negele co-authored a new law 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, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.