Press Release  Board of Higher Education Releases Regulations for Public Comment to Improve Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the Board of Higher Education has unanimously voted to send regulations to public comment that aim to improve access to post-secondary educational opportunities for students with severe disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and severe developmental disabilities.

The proposed regulations establish a comprehensive model of services, titled Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative (MAIPSE), to continue support for individuals age 18 to 22 with severe disabilities and expand programming to individuals 22 and over. These regulations define expectations for MAIPSE programs at public colleges and universities and for individuals’ plans for successful participation in college. They also include reporting requirements for campuses

“Students of all abilities deserve opportunities to broaden their horizons and expand their skillset,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m proud that we are one major step closer to opening doors for more residents of Massachusetts to have lifechanging experiences on our public campuses.”

“These proposed regulations will lift barriers for students who were previously unable to access the college experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m grateful to the state leaders, advocates, and members of our education community for their work exploring how to ensure the success of these expanded inclusive opportunities.”

Today’s proposed regulations were informed by a diverse task force, co-chaired by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS), that has been meeting over the past two years. This group includes 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.

“Inclusive postsecondary education opportunities have been transformational for students,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I want to thank DHE, DDS and the entire task force for their important work to see that today’s proposed regulations are deeply informed by those with first-hand experiences serving students with severe disabilities.”

“I want to thank those who dedicated their time and knowledge to this work, including our public campuses who have been instrumental in paving the way for more inclusive opportunities,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “These inclusive postsecondary education opportunities allow more students to experience the personal, academic, career, and social growth that our public institutions of higher education offer.”

“DDS was thrilled to partner with the Board for Higher Education and the Healey-Driscoll Administration on updates to these important regulations,” said Acting Commissioner of Developmental Services Sarah Peterson. “Offering opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be meaningfully engaged in their communities in ways that reflect their interests, goals, and capabilities, including pursuing higher education, is core to the work and mission of DDS. We thank the many stakeholders who informed these regulatory changes and look forward to supporting our public colleges and universities in these important efforts moving forward.”

The task force and proposed regulations stem from the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget that required all Massachusetts public undergraduate colleges and universities be prepared to offer opportunities for 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.  

“Our public higher education institutions have a long history of being places of opportunity for those who previously lacked access to college,” said BHE Chair Chris Gabrieli. “I’m proud that by advancing these regulations on inclusive postsecondary opportunities, our Board, the Commonwealth and our campuses are once again lifting barriers for more students to access college experiences.”

The public comment period begins on January 31, and the MAIPSE regulations, along with information about how to provide feedback, will be available at https://www.mass.edu/bhe/review.asp. After the conclusion of the public comment period, BHE will hold a final vote on the draft regulations at an upcoming board meeting.

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