Thousands apply for special needs vouchers

The demand for the Special Needs Scholarship is growing.

More than 5,000 families have applied for tuition grants to transfer their disabled children to private schools, but it remains to be seen how many will actually get them.

"Quite frankly, it's doubtful there will be slots for every parent who expresses interest," said Georgia Department of Education spokersperson Dana Tofig. "There's about 115 schools that are going to accept applications, so doing the math that would certainly be big commitment by those schools."

Private schools determine how many slots they will offer each year. A list of current participating schools and more information about the program can be found here.

Tofig anticipates the program will grow in coming years. He advises parents to be sure the private schools they apply to can handle the specific special need of their child.