Indy Standard

Vigo County lawmakers are urging families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) before the September 1 deadline.

State Representative Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) 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 related expenses.

"For children with disabilities, having access to the right programs and services can be a gamechanger for them and their future," Borders stated. "These scholarships enable parents to access the specialized resources needed to support their children's individual learning needs."

State Representative Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) highlighted that scholarships are available to students aged 5 to 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services, and meet specific financial criteria.

"Families with children who have disabilities can face unique learning challenges," Morrison noted. "ESAs offer them the flexibility to choose the best academic tools to ensure their children can reach their full potential."

State Representative Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) emphasized that scholarship funds are not considered income and do not affect other financial aid such as Medicaid that students may already receive.

"Families of children with disabilities often need additional support to find the right educational environment," Heaton remarked. "ESAs provide them with the flexibility and funding necessary to tailor their child's education to their specific needs."

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. Students without a disability requiring special education services can receive state tuition support up to $8,000, while those needing special education services 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, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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