Can a Hillsborough family pay for this with scholarship funds?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy by licensed providers are authorized specialized services.
Not eligible under PEP.
Not an authorized category.
Rules that apply
- Licensed by the Florida Department of Health (or APD / SIS approved).
- Sensory materials (balance balls, sensory swings, fidgets) are a separate instructional-materials category and are eligible.
- Adaptive exercise equipment requires pre-authorization.
What is not allowed
- Medical devices and medical services outside the listed therapies
In Hillsborough
16 Hillsborough private schools list occupational therapy as a service in the state directory. The FES-UA account can pay an on-campus therapist as a school fee, or an outside clinic directly.
How to buy it
Check MyScholarShop first (anything listed is pre-approved), then Find Providers in EMA for direct pay to tutors, therapists and instructors. Otherwise pay with a card, keep the itemized receipt and submit for reimbursement. Anything not listed as eligible needs a pre-authorization request before you buy; 2026-27 requests close May 28, 2027.
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Sources: FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA / Step Up For Students) with the 2026-27 summary of changes; PEP Purchasing Guide 2026-27; Step Up For Students "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides — Summary of Changes," revised September 16, 2026. Summaries, not legal advice; your SFO's handbook controls.