Bill > S698

This bill aims to create higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities. The key provisions are: 1. Students with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental disabilities will not be required to meet standard college admissions requirements such as standardized test scores, high school diploma, or minimum GPA to enroll and participate in academic courses, internships, and extracurricular activities at public institutions of higher education. 2. Public colleges and universities, in consultation with the Department of Higher Education, can establish guidelines for admission and course selection to ensure these students receive appropriate guidance and support. However, the institutions cannot deny admission solely due to the student's disability. 3. The bill requires public colleges to provide individual supports and services to enable the inclusion of these students in all academic and non-academic aspects of campus life. The costs associated with these supports can be covered through special education funding, Medicaid, or other public/private sources. 4. The bill creates an "Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative" grant program to fund partnerships between school districts and public colleges to assist students aged 18-21 with severe disabilities in transitioning to post-school activities and competitive employment. 5. The bill establishes an advisory board to oversee the implementation of the inclusive higher education initiatives and provide guidance.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S698