Parents of children with learning differences or special education needs often face unique challenges. Finding the proper support, schools, and resources can feel overwhelming – and sometimes expensive. Thankfully, many states across the US now offer scholarships and funding programmes designed to help families access the services their children need.

At iReading Tutor, we work closely with families who want to explore these options and ensure their children receive the best possible support. Below, we break down some of the key scholarships and programmes currently available.

1.   Utah's Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship

This programme provides private school scholarships for children with disabilities. Families who qualify can use the funding to pay for tuition at approved schools that may better meet their child's unique learning needs.

• Who qualifies? Students with disabilities in Utah.
• What can it cover? Tuition and fees at eligible private schools.
• Why it matters: Parents gain more choice in their child's education, ensuring they're not limited to public school options that may not always provide the right fit.

2.   Empowerment Scholarship in Florida

Florida offers one of the most well-known empowerment scholarship programmes in the country. It provides families with funds they can use for a wide range of educational purposes, not just private school tuition.

• Who qualifies? Children with disabilities, as well as other categories of students, are included depending on state guidelines.
• What can it cover? Private school tuition, therapies, tutoring, textbooks, and even online learning programmes.
• Why it matters: Families gain flexibility and control, allowing them to tailor education to their child's individual needs.

3.   Texas Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES)

In Texas, the Parent-Directed Special Education Services programme gives families access to one-time grants to purchase educational resources.

• Who qualifies? Students with disabilities in Texas public schools.
• What can it cover? Tutoring, therapy, assistive technology, and instructional materials.
• Why it matters: Parents can supplement their child's current education with extra help and tools that schools may not always provide.

4.   Utah's Fits All Scholarship Program

This is a broader programme designed to help more families in Utah, not just those with special needs. The Fits All Scholarship gives parents a set amount of money each year to spend on educational services of their choice.

• Who qualifies? Any K-12 student in Utah.
• What can it cover? Private school tuition, tutoring, online learning, or other approved educational expenses.
• Why it matters: Families gain freedom and flexibility, ensuring children get the type of learning environment that works best for them.

5.   Ohio's Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

The Jon Peterson programme is specifically for students with disabilities in Ohio. It provides funding for both tuition and specialized services.

• Who qualifies? Students with an Individualised Education Programme (IEP) in Ohio.
• What can it cover? Private school tuition, therapies, and specialized support services.
• Why it matters: Children can access personalized education and therapies that align with their learning needs.

6.   Ohio's Autism Scholarship

Alongside the Jon Peterson Scholarship, Ohio also offers a programme dedicated to children with autism.

• Who qualifies? Students diagnosed with autism who have an IEP.
• What can it cover? Private schooling, therapy, and autism-specific interventions.
• Why it matters: Families can focus on the type of support that works best for autism-related learning differences, from behavioural therapies to structured learning environments.

7.   Arkansas' Education Freedom Accounts

Arkansas recently introduced Education Freedom Accounts, designed to give parents more control over their child's education.

• Who qualifies? Students in specific categories, including those with disabilities, foster children, or those zoned for underperforming schools.
• What can it cover? Private tuition, tutoring, educational materials, and more.
• Why it matters: Parents can customize learning opportunities while ensuring children have access to high-quality support.

Why These Scholarships Matter for Families

Every child learns differently. For students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other learning challenges, a standard school environment may not always be enough. These programmes:

• Empower parents by giving them financial resources and choice.
• Provide flexibility to cover tuition, tutoring, therapy, and materials.
• Help children thrive by ensuring their education fits their unique needs.

At iReading Tutor, we see firsthand how scholarships can change a child's future. Families who may have struggled to afford specialized tutoring or private school placements now have access to resources that make a real difference.

How Reading Tutor Can Help

If you're exploring one of these scholarships, you may be wondering: What's the next step? That's where we come in.

• We guide parents through understanding eligibility.
• We provide tailored tutoring for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
• We help families make the most of their scholarship funds by focusing on proven, structured literacy support.

Navigating the world of scholarships and special education funding can feel confusing, but you don't have to do it alone. States like Utah, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Arkansas are leading the way in providing opportunities for families, giving children with learning differences the chance to thrive.

If you want to learn more about any of these programmes, visit the iReading Tutor's Empowerment Scholarships page. A brighter future for your child may be closer than you think.