Is Educational therapies (ABA, OT, speech, and more) an allowable Arizona ESA expense?

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Is educational therapies (ABA, OT, speech, and more) ESA eligible in Arizona?

Verdict · SY2025-26 handbook

Only for students with a disability

Only for students with a disability. Educational therapies (ABA, OT, speech, and more) is allowable only for ESA students with an IEP, MET Report, 504 Plan, or ESA-purpose IEE on file, with category-specific supporting documentation. Can combine with private insurance — document the uncovered amount. Late/cancelled/missed appointment fees are NOT allowable.

Full handbook category: Educational therapies (ABA, OT, PT, speech, music, art, equine, aquatic, vision, recreational, social group, RDI, etc.)

Conditions that decide it

Can combine with private insurance — document the uncovered amount
Late/cancelled/missed appointment fees are NOT allowable

Documentation required

IEP/MET/504/ESA-purpose IEE on file BEFORE paying
Copy of provider's valid (non-expired) license/accreditation from the approved credential table — no screenshots
Therapist license number on invoice

The receipt still has to be complete

A yes on allowability doesn't survive an incomplete receipt. Every receipt needs the vendor's name, address, and contact; the date; a receipt or order number; an itemized description; and the itemized and total amounts. Missing any field can get the expense rejected — and undocumented debit-card purchases past the quarterly deadline must be repaid.

People also check

Paraprofessional / educational aide — Disability eligibility only
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Educational and psychological evaluations — Disability eligibility only
Sensory items and assistive technology — Disability eligibility only

aba therapyspeech therapyoccupational therapyphysical therapymusic therapyequine therapyvision therapyplay therapy

Source: A.R.S. §15-2402(B)(4)(c)(i); Handbook Ch.3. School year 2025-26 rules. Last reviewed 2026-06-12.

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Educational information based on the official ADE Parent Handbook SY2025-26 — not legal advice. Final allowability is determined by ADE. Verify against the official database at azed.gov/esa/esa-allowable-items.