Ohio Department of Education Annual Autism Scholarship

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/04/12 - Updated: 2023/10/10
Publication Type: Announcement / Notification
Category Topic: Disability Scholarships - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: The Ohio Autism Scholarship Program provides great resources for families of students with autism. The Autism Scholarship Program was created to provide parents an opportunity to enroll their child with Autism in private education programs that provide specialized instruction from certified teachers and focus on the child's social and academic needs.

Introduction

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that involves impairments in communication, social and behavioral domains, and these symptoms can range from very mild to severe. It is a lifelong disease that crosses all racial, ethnic, and social lines.

Main Content

The program allows parents who are not satisfied in their child's traditional educational setting to gain access to private educational options. The Autism Scholarship Program provides great resources for families of students with autism. It is a lifesaver for parents struggling with the challenges of their autistic children in Ohio's educational system.

"The Autism Scholarship improved my life by helping me to communicate more, express my emotions, have better confidence in myself, and be a more active person in my job and community," said Kevin Carr, an Autism Scholarship recipient.

Currently, more than 1,600 students participate in the scholarship program, and there is no limit to the number of students who can apply.

The Autism Scholarship Program was created to provide parents an opportunity to enroll their child with Autism in private education programs that provide specialized instruction from certified teachers and focus on the child's social and academic needs. Scholarships are worth up to $20,000 per student per year.

The Autism Scholarship is often used by parents to gain access to early intervention services and can be used for individualized programs that may include several components, such as speech therapy, social skill development, and behavioral therapy.

Autism Scholarship Program (ASP)

The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) gives the parents of children with autism who qualify for a scholarship the choice to send the child to a special education program apart from the one operated by the school district of residence to receive their education and the services outlined in the child's individualized education program (IEP).

Any student who has been identified by their district as a child with autism and for whom the district has created an individualized education plan (IEP) qualifies for the Autism Scholarship program. The student must have a current IEP from the district of residence that is finalized and all parties, including the parent, must be in agreement with the IEP.

A child is eligible to apply to participate in the program when the child turns three.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.