How US Parents Can Use Scholarships for Dyslexia Tutoring Support

For parents of children with dyslexia, finding effective support can feel overwhelming. But across the United States, a growing number of state-sponsored scholarship programs offer families resources for specialized tutoring, therapies, and educational services tailored to students with dyslexia and other learning differences. In this post, we explore how parents can tap into these scholarships—from Utah to Florida, Texas to Ohio, and Arkansas—to access high-quality dyslexia reading tutors and maximize opportunities for their child's success.

1.  Utah's Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship & Fits All Scholarship Program

Utah's Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship (now part of the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship) and the Fits All Scholarship Program give parents flexibility in choosing private schools, homeschooling programs, specialized instruction, and dyslexia-specific therapies (federationforchildren.org).

• What it covers: Tuition, dyslexia remediation programs, reading therapists, assistive tools, and even a homeschool curriculum.

• Eligibility: Students with disabilities (IEP or MDT evaluation), selected based on income level and need .

• Key tip: Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarships are awarded in 3-year increments, renewable, and administered via the Children First Education Fund (CFE-fund.org).

🌴 2. Empowerment Scholarship Florida

Florida's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) offer an education savings account model to parents of children with special needs, including dyslexia (myschoolchoice.com).

• What it covers: Use the ESA to pay for private reading tutors, specialized curriculum, therapy, and tutoring services tailored to dyslexia.

• Eligibility: Open to students diagnosed with disabilities from K–12 with proof of IEP or equivalent.

• Administered by Scholarship Funding Organizations like Step Up For Students, which distributes and audits funds (en.wikipedia.org).

Families in Florida can allocate the ESA toward reading tutor programs or other dyslexia-specific reading tutoring services.

🏫 3. Texas Parent Directed Special Education Services

Texas offers a unique program: Parent Directed Special Education Services, empowering parents to select tutors, therapists, and educational tools designed for their child (ireadingtutor.com).

• What it covers: Private dyslexia tutors, reading remediation programs, and therapeutic services straight from parent-chosen providers.

• Eligibility: Students with an IEP or documented disability under IDEA.

• Advantage: Parents have full direction over service selection and can combine in-person and online providers, perfect for remote dyslexia tutors like iReadingTutor.

4. Ohio's Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship & Autism Scholarship

Ohio provides two powerful avenues for dyslexia support:

A. Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

This statewide voucher allows families to use funds at approved schools or private providers, including dyslexia tutors (education.ohio.gov, ireadingtutor.com, scohio.org).

• Eligibility: Students K–12 with an IEP must register with a provider (education.ohio.gov).

• Funding: Based on the student's disability, it can reach up to ~$27,000/year (huntingtonhelps.com).

• Use: Pay for dyslexia remediation services such as Orton–Gillingham or Wilson reading tutors.

B. Ohio's Autism Scholarship

While designed for autism, many children with co-occurring learning needs qualify. Funds can go toward dyslexia-appropriate tutoring and therapies .

5. Arkansas' Education Freedom Accounts

Arkansas' Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) offer flexible spending for educational expenses, including dyslexia tutoring (ireadingtutor.com).

• What it covers: Private tutors, reading and learning resources, therapies, and curriculum—all flexible based on IEP.

• Funding: Parents receive a public education funding amount deposited into an account for approved educational expenses.

• Eligibility: Open to K–12 students; priority may be given to those with special needs.

✅ How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

Identify your child's needs

1.  Start with documentation: IEPs, MDT evaluations, or specific dyslexia assessments are crucial.

Research your state program.

1.  Use the program names above to find official details via state websites or reputable non-profits like EdChoice or Children First Education Fund.

Pick eligible providers

1.  Many programs require parents to select from approved providers. Reading tutors often appear on lists for reading, dyslexia, and therapy services.

Apply early and meet deadlines.

1.  Many rollover funds require annual renewals. Utah deadlines fall in August–January; Ohio and Florida align with academic years.

Track and report spending

1.  Funds must be used for eligible expenses. Keep receipts and monitor through the state's portal or managing SGO.

Tailor tutoring to dyslexia

1.  Look for reading intervention programs grounded in phonics‑based methods—Orton–Gillingham, Barton, Wilson—taught by certified dyslexia tutors.

• Combine scholarships when allowed: Carefully check each program's conflict rules. For instance, Utah prohibits Carson Smith and Fits All overlap in the same year.

• Ensure long-term impact: Scholarship funding is a fantastic way to access dyslexia-specific tutoring long-term, especially when used consistently year after year.

• Partner with providers: Tutors and platforms like iReadingTutor often assist families with eligibility, application, and program compliance.

Final Tips for Parents

• Start with your IEP meeting: Identify dyslexia needs and express interest in outside tutoring using scholarships.

• Connect with local providers: Organizations like iReadingTutor often guide parents through provider lists and application support.

• Stay organized: Use a spreadsheet or binder to track funding timelines, receipts, tutoring hours, and academic progress.

By leveraging these scholarship programs—Utah's Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship, Empowerment Scholarship Florida, Texas Parent Directed Special Education Services, Utah Fits All, Ohio's Jon Peterson Special Needs and Autism Scholarships, and Arkansas' Education Freedom Accounts—parents can secure meaningful, long-term support that accelerates reading development, builds confidence, and empowers students with dyslexia to thrive academically. Let me know if you'd like to help to draft application documents or to explore a specific state program in detail!