Bill > S2414

This bill aims to create more inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders. It proposes to amend existing laws to allow these students to participate in credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing courses at public colleges and universities, often in audit status if they don't meet standard prerequisites, and to engage in internships and work-based training alongside students without disabilities. The bill also seeks to remove barriers to entry, such as standardized testing, high school diploma, or minimum GPA requirements, and mandates that these students be fully included in academic and non-academic campus life with necessary supports and services. Furthermore, it establishes a grant program to fund partnerships between school districts and higher education institutions for inclusive concurrent enrollment initiatives for students aged 18-21, and creates a commission to study and advise on best practices for work-study, internship, and scholarship programs for this population. The bill also addresses the identification and screening of neurological learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, in younger students.