Scholars, advocates, and policymakers have long expressed concern that taxpayer-funded voucher programs for private education would not serve children with disabilities at similar rates as public schools. A January 2025 report by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and School Choice Wisconsin challenges this concern, arguing that Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) data underestimates students with disabilities in school choice programs. The report claims over 14% of voucher program participants “likely have a disability,” significantly higher than DPI’s reported 8.9%. However, the report relies on survey data from private school leaders estimating disability rates, rather than DPI’s legal definitions and procedural requirements. As such, its findings are based on conjecture, limiting their utility for policymakers.

Suggested Citation: Lewis, M.M. & Mead, J.F. (2025). NEPC review: Thousands served: Students with disabilities in Wisconsin’s parental choice programs. Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. Retrieved [date] from https://nepc.colorado.edu/review/disability