Sessions Applauds Higher Education Access for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Statement

Sessions Applauds Higher Education Access for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Higher education bill includes Sessions' legislation for student aid

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) applauded the expanded higher education access that individuals with intellectual disabilities will have under the College Opportunity and Affordability Act passed by the House of Representatives today.

"As the parent of an individual with Down Syndrome, I have worked to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to resources and opportunities to develop self-reliance and life skills, enabling them to achieve their potential and to contribute to our communities," Sessions stated.

H.R. 4137 includes legislative language authored by Congressman Sessions in 2006 to grant students with intellectual disabilities access to federal work study funds for enrollment in comprehensive post-secondary education programs. Additionally, the legislation builds on his efforts by also providing individuals with intellectual disabilities access to Pell Grants and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants.

"Currently, the education opportunities for most individuals with intellectual disabilities end with secondary school," Sessions said. "Unfortunately, most remain unemployed and completely dependent."

"Making federal student aid available to students with intellectual disabilities will provide them the opportunity to access post-secondary education programs that improve students' academic and personal skills, independence, and employability," continued Sessions. "Greater productivity through employment will provide individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities for greater self-sufficiency, more independence, and the ability to save for retirement and long term care."

In addition to student financial aid access, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act establishes a model education demonstration for a comprehensive transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual disabilities. By awarding competitive grants to higher education institutions, the development of this model demonstration will establish important first steps for the creation and expansion of additional transition and post-secondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities across our nation.

To ensure the integrity and success of these ground-breaking programs for students with intellectual disabilities, the bill also authorizes a coordinating center that can provide technical assistance, evaluation, and recommendations for the development of accreditation standards.

"The establishment of these vital programs will represent a historic victory for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By unlocking previously-closed doors to educational opportunities, individuals with intellectual disabilities across our nation can be empowered to learn, develop, and achieve to the best of their abilities," Sessions concluded.

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