Parents Face Challenges with Private School Vouchers for Students with Disabilities
Parents of students with disabilities are encountering significant hurdles when utilizing private school vouchers, as federal protections guaranteed in public schools often do not apply. A case in Cincinnati highlights this issue, where Annabelle Kelly, a 15-year-old with Rett syndrome, was asked to leave Cincinnati Christian Schools (CCS) despite receiving a state voucher for students with disabilities. Her grandparents were informed that Annabelle's extensive needs required an additional $25,000 per year for an aide, a cost not covered by the voucher. Disability advocates, including Chris Roe of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), emphasize that private schools are not bound by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates a free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities aged three to 21. This means private schools can control their admissions and are not required to follow Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or uphold IDEA protection...
