Bill > H211

This bill aims to improve support and services for individuals with disabilities during their transition to adulthood by making several key modifications to existing laws. The bill updates language to replace the term "disabled person" with "person with a disability" to promote more respectful terminology and expands the definition of habilitative services to include instruction in independent living skills, functional life skills, housing preparation, postsecondary education preparation, employment training, and self-advocacy. The legislation also establishes a new pilot program through the Department of Developmental Services to provide services for individuals aged 20-24 with developmental disabilities who may not currently qualify for adult services. Additionally, the bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit annual reports to the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, detailing the number of individuals referred for transition services, the types of services needed but not provided, and potential federal Medicaid revenue strategies to address service gaps for transitioning students with disabilities. The goal is to create a more comprehensive and supportive framework for helping young people with disabilities successfully navigate the transition to adult life and services.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H211