Enacted as Pilot Program in 1999 • Expanded 2000–01
Any student with a disability whose parents are unhappy with their assigned public school is eligible to receive a McKay voucher to attend a private school or another public school. Started in 1999 as a pilot in Sarasota County, the program originally was capped at five percent of eligible enrollment. It was expanded statewide in 2000–01, and the cap was removed.
New legislation has expanded the program to include “504 Plan” students (section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973). Essentially, this extends eligibility to an estimated 50,000 students across the state of Florida. Section 504 protects qualified individuals with disabilities. Under this law, individuals with disabilities are defined as persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. People who have a history of impairment, or who are regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, are also covered. Major life activities include caring for one’s self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks, and learning.
Latest Stats (2010)
- Students Participating: 22,198
- Schools Participating: 985
- Average Voucher Value: $6,693
Program Details
Program Type
Voucher
Scholarship/Voucher Value
The voucher is worth the same amount public schools would have spent on each participating child, though it may not exceed the cost of the private school’s tuition and fees. Thus, the value of the voucher varies widely depending on the severity of the child’s disability; as of June 2011, the average voucher was worth $6,693. In addition, parents may supplement the voucher with their own money.
Participation
In 2010–11, 22,198 students used McKay vouchers; 985 private schools participated in the program.
Student Eligibility
All students with disabilities—those who have Individualized Education Plans covered under the federal disability-rights law or a section 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act—and who have been enrolled in a public school for at least a year are eligible to receive vouchers. About 370,000 children statewide are eligible. Schools are not required to accept participating students, a particularly important factor for this program considering that not all schools are equipped to handle all forms of disabilities.
Legal Developments
No legal challenges have been filed against the program.
Rules & Regulations
- Income Limit: None
- Geographic Limit: Statewide
- Enrollment Cap: None
- Voucher Cap: Conditional
- Testing Mandates: None
Governing Statutes
2001 Florida Statutes, Title XVI, Chapter 229.05371
Additional Links
McKay Quarterly Reports
