Bill > H4040

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 15A of the General Laws by adding a new section that requires public colleges and universities to offer inclusive educational opportunities for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental disabilities, aiming to prepare them for adult life, including employment and civic engagement. To facilitate enrollment, these students would not be required to take standardized college entrance exams, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, meet minimum academic course or grade point average requirements, or pass statewide assessment tests used for competency determinations. Instead, they can enroll in credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing courses alongside students without disabilities, including auditing courses even if they don't meet prerequisites, and participate in internships or work-based training. The bill emphasizes meaningful inclusion in all aspects of higher education, including academic and social activities, with necessary individual supports and services. Eligible students would also be able to receive financial assistance from scholarship programs, with their academic progress assessed based on their skill development for adult life. Furthermore, the secretaries of education and health and human services are tasked with developing inter-agency agreements and policies to ensure collaboration between higher education institutions and various human service agencies to support these students, including maximizing federal funding. Finally, the bill designates how the costs of supporting these students' participation in higher education will be covered, with expenses for students aged 18-21 being an approved expense under their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and for older students or those no longer receiving special education services, costs will be covered under other relevant state laws.