Bill > S3824

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, to develop a career and education guide for postsecondary students with disabilities. The guide will include information for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities on available resources at institutions of higher education that support both the academic goals and future career paths of students. For each institution of higher education in the State, the guide will identify the availability of: (1) disability career centers, career counseling, and placement services; (2) work-based learning options for students with disabilities, including internships, cooperative learning experiences, and independent study opportunities; and (3) accommodations and supports such as note-taker services, exam accommodations, accessible seating, communication accommodations, specialty textbooks and equipment, accessible parking, housing and dining areas, and student groups. The guide will also provide broad-based career planning information and guidance for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities on: (1) when, if, and how a student with a disability may disclose their disability with a prospective employer; (2) how to negotiate and request reasonable accommodations on the job; (3) workers' rights for employees with disabilities; and (4) assistive technologies and other supports available to accommodate persons in the workplace. Finally, the guide will detail a list of national and regional organizations, including contact information and websites, specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges of job seekers with disabilities. The bill directs the secretary to make the guide publicly available on its website.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Stephen Sweeney (D)*,  Mike Testa (R)*,  Joe Lagana (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 06/01/2021)