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NJ S3294

NJ S3294
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guide for post secondary students with disabilities.


summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

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

This bill mandates the Secretary of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, to create a comprehensive career and education guide for postsecondary students with disabilities. This guide will inform undergraduate and graduate students about resources available at New Jersey's higher education institutions that support their academic pursuits and future employment, detailing specific offerings like disability career centers, career counseling, work-based learning opportunities such as internships, and various accommodations and supports like note-taker services, exam accommodations, and accessible facilities. Furthermore, the guide will offer crucial career planning advice, covering topics such as disclosing a disability to employers, requesting reasonable job accommodations, understanding workers' rights, and utilizing assistive technologies in the workplace, and will also include a directory of national and regional organizations assisting job seekers with disabilities, with all information to be made publicly accessible on the Secretary's website.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 02/02/2026)

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