Bill > S2349

This bill, titled the Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Act, aims to expand educational access for students with disabilities, specifically those aged 18 to 22 who receive special education services and have severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities. These students will be permitted to audit or take credit-bearing undergraduate courses at state colleges and universities, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island, without needing to meet traditional college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum grade point averages. The cost of their participation will be covered by their "foundation education aid," a state funding mechanism for education, and will be considered an approved special education service if included in their individualized education program (IEP), which is a plan outlining a student's special education needs and services. The bill also allows students to return to high school if higher education is not in their best interest, with a proportional refund of foundation education aid. Furthermore, state institutions will be required to report annually on the participation of these students, detailing courses taken, activities, and outcomes, to help improve inclusive practices.

Education

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