Local Reps Encourage Students with Disabilities to Apply for Education Scholarship Account

Scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - State Reps. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) and Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the September 1 deadline.

Patterson 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.

"This is a great scholarship that allows families of students with disabilities to choose the best path for their child," Patterson said. "With these funds, families can seek specialized programs and educational tools that cater to their child's age, learning style and requirements."

Zimmerman said 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.

"Students with disabilities can face complex challenges and that's why families need flexibility when finding the best educational environment," Zimmerman said. "These scholarships relieve some of the financial burden for parents so they have more options to make sure their child can succeed."

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, Patterson and Zimmerman 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 September 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and to apply, visit Treasurer: INESA: Home.