Celebrating The New Ohio Autism Scholarship Increase

July 1, 2021

Bridgeway Academy is thrilled to share that the newly-approved Ohio State Budget includes $31 million in new funding for children with autism, to be provided over the next two fiscal years.

Along with others, Bridgeway Academy staff members and families have been advocating for increased funding for the last several years, and we are over the moon with this new funding increase, which will make such an impact on our organization. We are grateful to all the members of the House, Senate, Conference Committee, State Senator Bob Peterson, and to Governor DeWine for making the Autism Scholarship a priority. This increase will have so many positive financial implications for our families, and families of children with autism across the entire state.

Currently, the Ohio Autism Scholarship provides $27,000 in funding for children with a diagnosis of autism to access their educational services from specialized providers like Bridgeway Academy. As a result of this new amendment, that funding will now be increased to $31,500 in FY22 and $32,455 in FY23.

The amendment to the Autism Scholarship is a monumental step forward for Bridgeway Academy and other organizations who provide critical educational services to children with autism in Ohio. 

Bridgeway Academy is planning to host a celebration with impacted families, community partners and lawmakers this summer. Stay tuned for more information!

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