The Story of Ohio’s Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

In the landscape of Ohio’s education system, one scholarship stands out as a beacon of opportunity for families of children with special needs: the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. This program, now a vital lifeline for thousands of students across the state, wasn’t simply created overnight. It emerged from a confluence of advocacy, understanding, and the unwavering dedication of individuals who believed in empowering every child to reach their full potential.

The context surrounding the scholarship’s inception was one where families of children with significant disabilities often faced limited options within the traditional public school system. While dedicated educators worked tirelessly, the resources and specialized environments necessary to meet the unique learning needs of every child weren’t always readily available. Parents often encountered bureaucratic hurdles and financial strain as they sought alternative educational settings that could provide the individualized support their children required.

Recognizing this gap and the pressing need for more inclusive and tailored educational pathways, a powerful movement began to take shape. Key players emerged, driven by a shared vision of educational equity. Advocacy groups, parent organizations, and passionate individuals tirelessly championed the cause, highlighting the diverse learning styles and potential of students with disabilities. They advocated for policies that would grant families greater control over their children’s education and ensure access to programs best suited to their specific needs.

Among these dedicated individuals was Jon Peterson. Jon, a young man with Down syndrome, became an inspiring symbol of the potential that can be unlocked when individuals with disabilities receive the right support and opportunities. His parents, Sue and Dave Peterson, became tireless advocates for their son and for all children with special needs. They experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the educational system and the profound impact that tailored support could have on Jon’s growth and development.

The Petersons’ personal journey fueled their commitment to creating systemic change. They worked closely with legislators and other advocates, sharing their experiences and articulating the urgent need for a scholarship program that would empower families to choose educational settings that could truly meet their children’s unique requirements. Their unwavering advocacy, coupled with the support of like-minded individuals and organizations, proved instrumental in bringing the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship to fruition.

The legislation that established the scholarship was a testament to bipartisan collaboration and a growing understanding of the importance of individualized education. Lawmakers recognized the compelling arguments for empowering families and ensuring that financial barriers did not prevent students with disabilities from accessing appropriate educational services.

The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship was officially established in Ohio in 2012, offering eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to attend participating private schools or receive services from approved providers. The scholarship amount is based on the student’s individual needs and the level of support required. This groundbreaking program provided families with greater autonomy and the ability to choose learning environments tailored to their child’s specific learning style, therapy needs, and developmental goals.  Over 9,000 JPSN scholarships were awarded to Ohio students with special needs in the 2023-24 school year.

For Jon Peterson, this scholarship represented more than just financial assistance; it symbolized inclusion, opportunity, and the recognition of the inherent worth and potential of every child, regardless of their disability. While Jon sadly passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on through the scholarship that bears his name. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship continues to open doors for countless students across Ohio, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when compassion, advocacy, and a commitment to equity come together to create meaningful change.