Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury), the Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, announced today the committee has established a Task Force on College Inclusion for Students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. The Task Force will be conducting several public hearings throughout the Commonwealth to begin a conversation about how to best serve Intellectual/Developmentally Disabled students, and to seek recommendations for ways forward.
“If a student has a desire and drive to attain a college degree, no obstacle should be in their way to achieve their dreams,” Senator Moore said. “Studies have shown inclusive higher education settings create better outcomes for Intellectual/Developmentally Disabled students, including increased employment opportunities and fewer supports needed later in life. The Commonwealth must continue to ensure that a college education remains accessible, regardless of a disability.”
Membership of the Task Force includes Senator Moore, Representative Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden), Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Elin Howe, Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Charles Desmond, University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, Bridgewater State University President Dana Mohler-Faria, Jim Brett of the New England Council, Julia Landau of the Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Barbara L’Italien of Arc Massachusetts, Richar Doherty of Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), Deborah Smith-Pressley of Garrett-Pressley Autism Resource Center, Michael Stein of the Harvard University Law School Project on Disability, Debra Hart of the Institute for Community Inclusion and Brian Heffernan, a student at MassBay Community College.
Locations for the Task Force’s public hearings include:
· Friday, November 1- Bridgewater State University, Burnell Hall 132A, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM;
· Friday, November 8- Harvard University, Harvard Law School Project on Disability, Hall 304, 12 PM- 2PM;
· Friday, November 15- Quinsigamond Community College, HLC Building, Room 109 A&B, 3PM- 5PM; and,
· Friday, November 22- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Lincoln Campus Center, Room 163C, 9AM- 11AM.
The public hearings are open to the general public and all are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Senator Moore’s office at (617) 722-1485.
UPTON DAILY 