Ohio Autism Scholarship Program Provides Tailored Education

41 Days of School Choice: Day 28

News Release from American Federation for Children

Columbus, Ohio (Sept. 11, 2014) – The American Federation for Children and School Choice Ohio celebrate day 28 of the #41Days of School Choice initiative by focusing on Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to families seeking high-quality education options for children diagnosed with autism.

In the state with most educational choice programs in the country, Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, provides parents of a child with autism the opportunity to enroll their child in private education programs that provide specialized instruction and focus on the child’s social and academic needs. Today, more than 2,600 students enrolled in the program are able to receive a tailored education that fits their individual needs.

“To know that you have the support and the choice – that you actually have a choice where you can send your child to school – it makes all the difference,” said Tumpa Lewis, an Autism Scholarship parent.

“Many parents can face education challenges with their children, but we have seen repeatedly how customization is key to overcoming these challenges,” said Kevin P. Chavous, executive counsel for the American Federation for Children. “Ohio’s scholarship program that customizes an education for children specifically with Autism allows parents real educational choice options and can make an enormous difference in the life of a child who requires this sort of customization.”

“Every child deserves a high-quality education, and the Autism Scholarship Program is providing Ohio students on the Autism spectrum the opportunity to receive an education that is tailored specifically to their unique learning needs,” said School Choice Ohio Executive Director Matt Cox.

Program Facts:

• In order to participate, students must be identified as autistic by their assigned school district
• Students must have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their assigned school district
• Scholarships are worth up to $20,000 per year
• Students can begin receiving an Autism Scholarship as early as age 3

For more information about this program visit: www.scohio.org/autism

Throughout the 41 Days of School Choice campaign, the American Federation for Children will be promoting programs using the hashtag “#41Days”.

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The American Federation for Children is the nation’s leading school choice advocacy organization and works in states across the country to help secure additional, high-quality educational options for families.

School Choice Ohio is the only statewide organization that educates parents on their education options and advocates for the expansion of quality options for every child.