S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS: Section 6.2 of S.L. 2021-180 directs the State Board of Community Colleges (SBCC) to establish a two-year pilot program (pilot program) at two community college campuses for training programs that provide for a micro-credential or other credentials that leads to increased employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The pilot program must offer training and educational components to improve employability skills and provide on-the-job training and apprenticeships with business and industry for individuals with IDD. The goal of the pilot program must be to inform community colleges and address cross-departmental supports within the individual community colleges on programs for individuals with IDD on at least the following:

• Establishing best practices for providing vocational training for individuals with IDD.
• Providing financial and benefits counseling.
• Developing strategies on integrating assistive technology.
• Maximizing access, with supports, to credential and degree programs, including micro-credentials that are established by the SBCC.
• Identifying methods to increase orientation and integration of individuals with IDD into the college community to the greatest extent possible.
• Developing a needs assessment, marketing, and evaluation to serve a broad array of individuals with developmental and other similar disabilities or learning challenges to assure adequate demand for new or existing programs.

The Community Colleges System Office (System Office) must add a time limited position for program support, provide professional development training for college advising staff to assist students with IDD for career pathway exploration and the identification of credentials leading to competitive employment, and explore funding sources to sustain programs for students with IDD.

Beginning May 1, 2022, the System Office must report each fiscal year on the funds appropriated to the System Office for the implementation of the pilot program to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and various other entities. The report must include the results of the pilot program, the use of the time-limited position, professional development training for staff, and funding sources identified for individuals with IDD to build programs at community colleges that support postsecondary trainings and certifications that enable individuals with IDD to engage in competitive, sustainable employment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This section became effective July 1, 2021.