More of Florida’s students with disabilities like autism and Down syndrome will be able to receive annual scholarships as part of a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday.
The legislation, SB 672, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, would expand aid for students with intellectual disabilities, increasing funding for the Personal Learning Scholarship Account Program from $55 million to $73 million for $10,000-per-year scholarships for students with disabilities.
The scholarships can be used to pay for several education options, including specialized therapies, instructional material, tutoring or tuition at a private school. Students with disabilities can receive the scholarship beginning as early as age three.
“The bill will help families of students with disabilities to provide a more customized education experience that meets the unique needs of their children and helps students with disabilities to obtain a college education,” said Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, who sponsored the bill in the House.
Last year, the program was expanded and the number of participants increased to around 4,300. This year, that expansion was made permanent, which is expected to increase participation to around 8,000 students annually.
The bill was one of the top priorities of Sen. President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, for this year’s legislative session.
Gardiner has a personal connection with disabilities since his own son, Andrew, was born with a disability. Since Andrew was born, Gardiner has pledged to push to make improvements in Florida for his own son and the thousands of others like him.
Initially, Gardiner wanted the bill passed with no amendments and rejected one put forth by Sen. Gaetz which changed the name of the scholarship program to the “Gardiner Scholarship.” Last week, Gardiner eventually accepted the title.
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli also prioritized the bill, saying it would bring opportunities to more Floridians.
“These laws affect the lives of all Floridians and will create a stronger future for our state," Crisafulli said in a statement on the passage of the bill.
The bill won the support of education groups across the state, who applauded state lawmakers for speedily moving the bill along.
"It wasn't all that long ago when students with disabilities were shunned in classrooms; their needs ignored and their abilities dismissed,” said executive director for the Foundation for Florida’s Future Patricia Levesque. “The world has changed much since then, and that change came about because of the tireless advocacy of parents who refused to accept less for their children. Every time I see a child with unique abilities, behind him or her I see a parent with unique passion and commitment.”
Levesque said the passion of these parents is what drove the legislature to give the green light to the scholarship program.
"Thanks to this legislation signed by Governor Rick Scott, parents can transition from advocates to activists, empowered with the freedom and resources to create pathways for their children's success,” she continued. “And rest assured, this blessing bestowed on Florida families will spread to other states as well.”
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
