SB16-196 Summary

• Creates the Inclusive Higher Education Act establishing a pilot program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at three Colorado institutions: University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Arapahoe Community College.

• Requires participating institutions to develop programs allowing students to take a minimum of two undergraduate courses per semester for credit or audit, plus one specialized course each semester, resulting in a certificate upon completion.

• Programs must include academic access, career development, campus engagement, peer mentoring, paid work experiences, and coordination with vocational rehabilitation services, with outcome focus on competitive employment.

• Appropriates $250,000 for the 2016-17 fiscal year distributed as: $100,000 to University of Colorado Regents, $75,000 to University of Northern Colorado, and $75,000 to community colleges; requires JFK Partners to evaluate program implementation annually.

• Pilot program operates through fiscal year 2020-21 with an automatic repeal effective July 1, 2021; institutions must develop five-year sustainability plans and can become certified transition programs to access federal financial aid.