Scholarship Webinar
Accessing the Jon Peterson and Ohio Autism Scholarships
This informative webinar featured Olivia Schmidt, Policy & Improvement Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), and focused on helping families navigate the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Ohio Autism Scholarship.
Recent data shows that 12–15% of students with Autism are enrolled in private or alternative school placements, compared to 9% of the general student population—a trend driven by the desire for educational environments better suited to students’ individual needs.
Key Topics Covered:
- Eligibility for both scholarships
- Application processes
- Overview of the Autism Education Plan (AEP)
- Scholarship amounts and covered services
- The distinct roles of parents vs. school districts
- How to find approved providers
Contact Information
Autism Scholarship Program
Email: autismscholarship@education.ohio.gov
Phone: 614-728-3480 or 877-644-6338
Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program
Email: peterson.scholarship@education.ohio.gov
Phone: 614-466-5743 or 877-644-6338
Additional Resources
- JON PETERSON SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIP FY 2026 MAXIMUM SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS BY CATEGORY FY 2026 Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Category Award Amounts
- AUTISM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FY 2026 SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT FY 2026 Autism Scholarship Category Amount
- Parent Checklist for Visiting Providers Parent Checklist for Visiting Providers
- Open Office Hours Autism Scholarship Resources | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
- Ohio Scholarship Providers – Interactive Directory – The Ohio Scholarship Providers Interactive Directory contains information about every approved scholarship provider in Ohio. This directory includes nonpublic schools that participate in the Cleveland, EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion (Income-Based) Scholarships. It also includes nonpublic schools and service providers that participate in the Autism and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarships. Use this interactive map and directory to locate a scholarship provider in your area. Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 to find each organization’s location details, contact information and website. To reset, refresh the webpage. Ohio Scholarship Providers – Interactive Directory | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Meet the Speaker
Olivia Schmidt
Policy & Improvement Coordinator
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW)
Webinar Made Possible By:
