BOSTON – The Joint Committee on Higher Education met yesterday to hear testimony on Bill H. 1064, which is co-sponsored by state Rep. John Velis.
The bill is an Act creating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental disabilities, which is a priority for Velis.
“I was someone who struggled in school, and had great teachers who helped me,” Velis said. “Without them I wouldn’t be a state representative.”
Velis wants everyone to have the chance not only to have the academic experience offered in college, but also the social experience.
“Making friends, going to the dining hall and talking about girlfriends or the Red Sox or Patriots game – those are the kinds of things that help affect who a person becomes,” he said. “To me, that’s the most important part of this.”
The bill expands on the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative (ICE), a pilot program at universities, including Westfield State University.
Funded by the Commonwealth since 2007, ICE offers grants to college-school partnerships to support eligible public high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-22, to increase their academic and career success by being included in a college or university community of learners.
Students with intellectual disabilities who are eligible for the program must be between the ages of: 18 to 22, have not passed MCAS, and are eligible for special education services as documented through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP); or 20 to 21, have passed MCAS, but still eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) because of significant functional disabilities, transition needs, etc.
Evidence shows that students benefit academically and transition to young adulthood more readily when they have the opportunity to engage in all college-related activities (e.g., establishing new social networks, participating in campus-wide events, learning to use public transportation to and from campus, completing course assignments, obtaining employment) rather than staying at high school. Student participation in this grant program may be incorporated into a student’s transition program, as determined through the school district’s special education process.
Velis said WSU is a model for ICE.
“I am so proud of Westfield State for leading the charge,” Velis said. “This is landmark legislation, to take a pilot program and make it mandatory.”
Velis said many people offered testimony yesterday, including teachers and students. The Committee will vote on the bill and if approved, it will go to the House.
Velis expects the bill will be approved and said there are 64 co-sponsors, including himself and fellow western Massachusetts representatives Brian Ashe, Ellen Story, and Angelo Puppolo, Jr.
