Last verified: October 2026
Can a Birmingham family pay for educational therapies with a CHOOSE Act ESA?
Yes. ABA, dyslexia or dysgraphia, occupational, physical, speech and vision therapy for students with disabilities.
CHOOSE Act ESA, enrolled ($7,000)Approved expense
ABA, dyslexia or dysgraphia, occupational, physical, speech and vision therapy for students with disabilities.
CHOOSE Act ESA, home education ($2,000)Approved expense
The same therapies are approved for home-educated students.
Accountability Act SGO scholarshipNot payable
Not covered by tuition scholarships.
What rules apply to educational therapies?
- The practitioner must hold a valid license for the therapy (or be accredited), pass a background check and register as an ESP.
- Initial evaluation fees are an approved expense under the assessments category.
- Therapy must take place during the academic year the funds belong to.
What counts and what doesn't
| Counts, under these rules | Doesn't count |
|---|---|
| The practitioner must hold a valid license for the therapy (or be accredited), pass a background check and register as an ESP. | Unlicensed providers |
| Initial evaluation fees are an approved expense under the assessments category. | Services billed outside ClassWallet |
| Therapy must take place during the academic year the funds belong to. |
What does this look like in Jefferson and Shelby counties?
The October 23, 2026 ESP list shows 22 educational therapy providers with Jefferson or Shelby County cities.
Source: ClassWallet, CHOOSE Act Alabama Parent Guide 2026-2027; CHOOSE Act (Act 2024-21). A summary, not legal advice; ALDOR's rules and ClassWallet's review decide each purchase.