RI H8161

Students with disabilities ages 18-21 (up to 22 in some cases) who receive special education services may attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities, including Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island

Participating students are exempt from standardized college entrance tests, high school diploma requirements, minimum GPA requirements, and statewide assessment passing scores to take undergraduate courses, internships, and participate in campus activities

School committees forward the student's foundation education aid amount to the state institution, which cannot charge the district or student any costs beyond that amount; participation is considered a special education service under the student's IEP

Students may take courses for credit if prerequisites are met, or audit courses if prerequisites are not met; they must follow institutional behavioral policies including code of conduct and antidiscrimination policies

State colleges and universities must submit annual reports beginning September 1, 2027 detailing participation data, courses taken, extracurricular activities, and employment outcomes to education oversight bodies and legislative committees