Civil Rights Principles for the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965

April 26, 2018

  http://civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/education/HEA-Civil-Rights-Principles.pdf

For children and adults with disabilities and their families, the Higher Education Act is of critical importance. AUCD has joined nearly 50 other organizations in signing onto civil rights principles that we believe must be included in the upcoming reauthorization of that law. The Higher Education Act creates opportunities for higher education for students with intellectual disability through its creation of the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Disabilities (TPSIDs). Inclusive postsecondary programs are effective at helping students with ID find meaningful competitive employment with increased wages thus helping individuals who may never have had such opportunities achieve financial stability. Additionally, through these programs we are seeing better outcomes in employment and wages, social networks, self-determination, and community living for students with ID. The HEA also provides support for special education teachers in the form of loan forgiveness, grants and scholarships in a field where 98% of school districts are already facing and limiting services and supports to students with disabilities. It also represents the only federal investment to help prepare teachers in high needs fields, such as special education, with the state of the art effective strategies for success. Everyone regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or immigrant status should have the opportunity to go to colleges and universities that are invested in and committed to their future success in life and career.