Press Release  Board of Higher Education Approves Regulations to Improve Post-Secondary Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

BOSTON — The Board of Higher Education (BHE) today unanimously approved the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s proposed state regulations aimed at improving inclusive access to post-secondary educational opportunities for students with severe disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and severe developmental disabilities.
 
Today’s approved regulations position public higher education institutions to offer inclusive postsecondary experiences to eligible individuals with severe disabilities ages 18 and over through a comprehensive model of services called Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative (MAIPSE). The regulations further seek to strengthen partnerships with state health and human services agencies that support individuals with disabilities, define expectations for the development of collaborative, individual student-centered participation plans, and also set forth reporting requirements for campuses.
 
“Students of all abilities deserve opportunities to continue their education after high school,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m proud that Massachusetts is opening doors for more students to have lifechanging higher education experiences, and I’m grateful to the experts and advocates who were dedicated to setting students up for success through these regulations.”
 
“These regulations allow more students to access the college experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts has lifted a barrier to higher education for many students, allowing greater access to our high-quality public colleges and universities.”
 
The final MAIPSE regulations follow a public comment period that launched on January 31, 2025, and were also informed by a report from a 21-member task force co-chaired by the Departments of Higher Education and Developmental Services. The task force included individuals representing public higher education institutions; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; MassAbility, and other state agencies serving adults with disabilities; representatives from K-12 school districts; and several advocacy groups. The legislatively mandated task force evaluated needs related to student housing, transportation, socialization, costs, and funding.
 
“This Board vote concludes years of work by a task force dedicated to inclusive postsecondary education opportunities and kicks off a new era in which more students have access to the transformational opportunities of going to college,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I want to thank the Department of Higher Education, Department of Developmental Services and the entire task force for ensuring that these regulations are informed by those with first-hand experiences serving students with severe disabilities.”
 
“Our public institutions of higher education allow students to grow as individuals, professionals, and learners, and I’m proud to give more students access to those benefits,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to those whose dedication led to regulations that the Board could fully endorse, and I want to particularly thank the public campuses whose commitment to offering more inclusive experiences has helped us arrive at greatly expanded access.”
 
“The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) was thrilled to partner with the Department of Higher Education and the Healey-Driscoll Administration on these important regulations for this landmark higher education legislation,” said DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson. “Allowing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to access the state’s colleges and universities to gain the skills necessary to work and live as independently as possible is core to the mission of DDS. We thank the many stakeholders and advocates who championed this first of its kind law in the country and look forward to working with our fellow agencies on the supports and services necessary to facilitate inclusion and meaningful life experiences.”
 
The MAIPSE regulations stem from the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget that required all Massachusetts public undergraduate colleges and universities to be prepared to offer opportunities for those students 18 and over with severe disabilities who are otherwise not able to achieve the underlying competency determinations needed to secure a high school diploma. Under the 2023 law and these implementing regulations, such students can participate in courses as non-matriculating students with their nondisabled peers and engage in other aspects of campus life. Prior to 2022, these opportunities were limited to students ages 18-22.
 
“These regulations reflect deep knowledge of student and family needs, as well as how inclusive postsecondary opportunities can be successfully implemented on campuses,” said BHE Chair Chris Gabrieli. “The Board appreciates the work of the Department and the opportunity to approve these regulations because they aim to lift barriers to college access for more students.”

"Today's action is a welcome step toward expanding higher education access, enabling all students to engage in college life and continued learning," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).  “I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its partnership in supporting a more equitable and inclusive future for every student in the Commonwealth."
 
“I’m thrilled the Board of Higher Education has approved the Healey Administration and Legislature’s mandated task force plan to open the door for substantially increased access to higher educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This landmark initiative is the result of a strong collaborative partnership between the Legislature, multiple state agencies, and would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and the Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC). I’m extremely proud to see Massachusetts positioned again as a leader in removing barriers and expanding opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Statements of Support

Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem):
"Everyone should have access to the high-quality education at our public colleges and universities here in the Commonwealth, regardless of their background and abilities. I am pleased to see the expansion of inclusive postsecondary experiences to eligible individuals with severe disabilities ages 18 and over via the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative, breaking down barriers and empowering thousands to pursue their higher education goals."

Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington):
"These regulations are a crucial step in furthering the inclusivity that the MAICEI program fosters," said Representative Garballey, the lead filer of the initial legislation. "I would like to thank everyone involved in the task force for their collaboration. I am very excited to see this program implemented and offer new opportunities to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their peers."

Dr. Linda Thompson, President of Westfield State University, Chair of Massachusetts State University Council of Presidents:
“To advance individual personal and employment goals, it is essential that public higher education embrace and foster opportunities for all members of the Commonwealth to participate in post-secondary higher education. By removing barriers for students with intellectual disabilities, the MAIPSE program increases self-determination skills, self-advocacy skills, social skills, health and wellness, academic skills, employment skills and enhances an overall quality of life. We are proud to continue our collaborative efforts with local school districts, working together to expand and strengthen this program. This initiative represents true inclusion for our university campuses, and we are proud to continue our partnerships with area school districts to support and build upon this program.” 
 
Luis Pedraja, President of Quinsigamond Community College, Chair of the Community College Council of Presidents:
“On behalf of the community colleges, where we have been at the forefront of advancing educational access for students with disabilities, we are pleased to see movement on these new guidelines. Advancing access and opportunity is at the core of our community college mission and we look forward to additional conversations around implementing the new MAIPSE guidelines.”
 
Julia Landau, Senior Project Director, Mass Advocates for Children:
“Our state is fortunate to have strong leaders in the executive and legislative branches affirming the state’s commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities. We applaud the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for adopting these carefully crafted regulations which will help implement the Commonwealth’s groundbreaking higher education law, providing life-changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities who have been historically excluded from higher education.”
 
Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director, Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC):
“This is a watershed moment for students with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Massachusetts. The data consistently shows that higher education access directly correlates with improved employment outcomes and greater independence for people with IDD. Now, these regulations represent not just expanded opportunity, but a fundamental recognition that all students deserve the chance to experience the transformative power of higher education. By opening these doors, Massachusetts is further establishing itself as a nationwide leader in creating pathways to meaningful careers, social connections, and the full community inclusion that every person deserves. We commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership and look forward to seeing our students thrive in these inclusive campus environments."

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