Forwarded Action Alert: Public Hearing LD 2166

Forwarded Action Alert Maine Parent Federation:
​
Public Hearing L.D. 2166 An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder

​ 
The public hearing for LD# 2166 An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder will be held on Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00 PM.
 
If passed this bill will establish a grant program available to Institutions of Higher Education (accredited colleges and universities) in Maine to create post-secondary programming and offer scholarships to students with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
 
A public hearing is an opportunity for your legislators on the Educational and Cultural Affairs Committee to hear from you before they vote whether or not to move the bill forward to the full Maine Congress. You are welcome to provide testimony in support of, against, or neither for nor against the bill.
 
Talking points for this specific bill can include:

• Maine offers graduating seniors, impacted by the pandemic, 2 free years of Community College. These programs are not accessible to students with I/DD and/or ASD who graduated during the same time period.
• Currently in Maine there is one available program for students with I/DD and ASD compared to the 29 accredited colleges and universities.
• Post-secondary programming statistically improves the chances of an individual with I/DD and/or ASD become employed, (see Think College)
• Provides the opportunity for dual enrollment for students 18-22-years-old still publicly enrolled in school, and
• There is work being done to braid funding for sustainability through Vocational Rehabilitation as well as the Lifespan Waiver (currently being designed) this grant will assist in developing the programing.

 
You can testify in-person in Room 208 in the Cross Building located at 111 Sewall St. in Augusta. Be sure to bring 20 copies of your testimony for members of the Committee. You do not need to register for this option, just show up.
 
Click this link to either register to testify either virtually via ZOOM or submit your written testimony for Committee members to consider.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Carrie Woodcock, [email protected].
 
Kind Regards,
Carrie Woodcock - Maine Parent Federation