Massachusetts Task Force Report on Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder
This report presents the findings of the Massacusetts Task Force on Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ID/ASD), convened by the House and Senate Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. The report describes higher education opportunities for students with ID/ASD nationally and statewide, and includes specific findings and recommendations to increase access to inclusive higher education and ensure citizens with ID/ASD have equal opportunity to reach their potential. The findings were arrived at based the success of the ICE (inclusive concurrent enrollment) programs in MA, on four public hearings held around the state, and research indicating that inclusive postsecondary education initiatives for students with ID/ASD have a positive impact on student rates of employment and wages, self-determination skills, social networks, and independent living.