Prototype v1 — dev build for design review. School records are reproduced from the Florida DOE directory (October 8, 2026); phone number and partner-fund terms are placeholders.
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Technology

Laptops, tablets & digital devices

This is the category that changed most for 2026-27: devices are now prohibited on PEP, while FES-UA still allows them.

Can a Miami-Dade family pay for this with scholarship funds?

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)Eligible

Digital devices, digital periphery devices (monitor, headset, printer, speakers once every two years), assistive technology, training and warranties are authorized.

PEP (home-directed ESA)Not eligible

For 2026-27, PEP families cannot use scholarship funds for digital devices or related peripherals — laptops, computers, phones, tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, headsets, VR headsets.

Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO)Not eligible

Not an authorized leftover-funds category under the 2026-27 Private School guide.

Rules that apply

  • FES-UA: a monitor, headset, printer, speakers or VR headset may be purchased once every two years; early replacement needs pre-authorization.
  • FES-UA: prescription eyeglasses and hearing aids are eligible assistive technology; smart or AR prescription glasses were added to the prohibited list for 2026-27.

What is not allowed

  • All consumer devices under PEP (2026-27)
  • Smart / augmented-reality glasses

In Miami-Dade

If a Miami family is choosing between PEP and FES-UA for a child with a qualifying diagnosis, device eligibility is now a real differentiator in favor of FES-UA.

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.

Build my child's spending plan →

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.

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