Governor Scott has Signed Legislation to give Scholarships to Children with Disabilities

The McKay Scholarship Program has been expanded to include children with disabilities who are on a 504 plan in the public school.  Sponsored by Representative Michael Bileca (R-Miami) and Senator Steve Wise (R-Jacksonville) HB 1329 was passed by the Legislature has been signed into law by Governor Rick Scott.

The McKay Scholarship is the largest state program in the nation that provides funding for students with disabilities to attend other public or private schools with programs for students with disabilities.  Scholarships range from $5,200 to $17,000. 

Since 1999, only students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) could access the McKay Scholarship Program and receive the scholarships.  The passage of this bill will give parents of children with disabilities who are on a 504 plan more choices to meet their educational goals.

Students, on a 504 plan have a disability which requires accommodations in the public school.  These may be students with ADHD, Aspergers, Heath Issues, and other disabilities. The new law allows thousands of Florida's children with disabilities to access programs which may be more effective or beneficial for them.  The law will save money for school districts because compliance with 504 by public schools is an unfunded mandate from the Federal Government. 

The Florida Department of Education estimates that there are over 50,000 children on 504 plans in Florida.  

Dr. Patricia Hardman, CEO of Dyslexia Research Institute in Tallahassee, and Robyn A. Rennick and Steve Hicks of The Coalition of McKay Scholarship Schools were actively involved with passage of the bill.  Former Senate President John McKay, the originator of the McKay Scholarship Program, supported this expansion.

The law takes effect July 1, 2011.

To participate in the State of Florida McKay Scholarship a parent must submit their letter of intent by July 3, 2011, to be eligible for the scholarship in September.  Information about the McKay Scholarship and how to submit a "letter of intent" may be obtained from the Department of Education at http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/.  Information concerning The Coalition of McKay Scholarship Schools may be found at http://www.mckaycoalition.com/

** Only enrolled students are eligible for HCA Financial Aid.
** If you are not approved for financial aid and are unable to have your child attend for financial reasons, then all tuition money paid for the new school year is refundable.