Students with disabilities often struggle academically in school. They may need extra support in reading, spelling, writing, math, or a combination of these skills. They might also need help with study skills, including planning, time management, and organization. If your child needs help with any of these skills, you may be able to use the Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities to fund your child’s tutoring.
What exactly is the Family Empowerment Scholarship—Unique Abilities?
The Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities is designed for students with disabilities as young as age three. Students receive funds from the state of Florida that are deposited into an education savings account (ESA) for each child. They must be a resident of Florida or dependent child of an active member of the United States Armed Service with a permanent change of station ordered to the state of Florida.
Your child must also have an IEP or a diagnosis of a disability. These diagnoses include but are not limited to: a specific learning disability (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, or developmental aphasia); autism; an intellectual disability; a speech impairment; a language impairment; an orthopedic impairment; an emotional or a behavioral disability; a hearing impairment; a visual impairment; traumatic brain injury; and many other disabilities.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Parents must apply to an approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that administers the program. Once you complete this application, the organization collects and evaluates the support documents you submit in support of your child’s application. The organization then submits eligible students to the Department for funding.
How do I receive the funds?
Once your child is approved, funds will be deposited into an Education Savings Account (ESA). This ESA can pay for items such as private tutoring; instructional materials and curriculum; private school tuition and fees; online learning programs; community college fees; occupational therapy; a home education program; specialized summer education programs; higher education expenses, and much more!
How much money will I receive?
The amount your child receives can vary based on their grade level, county of residence, and specific level of need. The typical Unique Abilities scholarship is roughly $10,000 per year.
Is there a maximum amount of funding my child can receive?
Yes, your child can receive no more than a total of $50,000.
How many students can receive this funding?
For the 2024-2025 school year, the maximum number of students who could receive funding was roughly 70,000. This maximum will increase each year by 3% of the state’s total exceptional student education full-time equivalent student enrollment.
How long can a student partake in this scholarship program?
A student participating in this scholarship fund can continue in the program until they return to a public school, graduate from high school, or reach age 22.
At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we specialize in providing private tutoring to students with disabilities, including Orton Gillingham tutoring. You can use your child’s Family Empowerment Scholarship - Unique Abilities funds to receive specialized tutoring for them in reading, writing, math, study skills, organizational skills, and other academic skill areas. We can also provide homeschooling to your child using these funds.
