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A 529 account is a smart way to save money for school. For families with students who have disabilities, it can also help pay for special tools or services they need to go to college or job training programs.

What Counts as Special Needs Equipment?

Special needs equipment means tools or services that help a student with a disability take part in school. This might include:

• Adaptive Software or Hardware – Tools like screen readers, voice recognition programs or alternative input devices that support communication and learning.
• Sensory Integration Tools – Items such as active seating, weighted blankets, fidget devices or noise-canceling headphones that help individuals with sensory processing needs stay calm and focused.
• Mobility Equipment – Includes wheelchairs, scooters or walkers that assist individuals with physical disabilities in navigating educational settings and daily life.

To count, the item or service must be needed for the student to go to class or complete the required coursework.

How to Use a 529 Account for Special Needs Equipment

Families can use money from a 529 account to pay for these items without extra taxes, as long as the equipment is needed for school. Here’s how to make sure:

1. Check with the school – They might need to confirm that the equipment is required. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia also offers a guide to help students with disabilities transition from high school to colleges in the Commonwealth. Explore the guide
2. Save your receipts – Keep all paperwork and proof that shows the item helps the student learn.

What About an ABLE Account?

Families might also want to open an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. This account lets people with disabilities save money for many things, not just school. They can use it for housing, medical care, and other daily needs. While a 529 account is mainly for school, an ABLE account gives more options for saving for qualified disability expenses. Learn more about saving with ABLEnow

Planning Ahead

Paying for school can be tricky, especially for students with disabilities. Knowing how to use a 529 or ABLE account can help families plan and save. These accounts make it easier to cover costs like college or special tools that make school possible.

Commonwealth Savers, Invest529 and ABLEnow do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Consult your tax, legal or investment advisor for more information about your specific tax situation and tax consequences.