Section 165 Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment 8

(a) The inclusive concurrent enrollment advisory board established in subsection (e) of section 17 of chapter 71B of the General Laws shall convene a task force to evaluate, develop and pilot mechanisms to support institutions of higher education offering opportunities, pursuant to section 30A of chapter 15A of the General Laws, to include individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders or other severe developmental disabilities over the age of 21. The evaluation shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the: (i) needs relating to housing, employment, health care, mental health care, transportation and social and leisure opportunities of participating individuals over the age of 21; (ii) type, frequency and duration of support that will be required to support public higher education opportunities for participating individuals over the age of 21; (iii) costs associated with supporting higher education opportunities at public higher education institutions for participating individuals over the age of 21; and (iv) the programs, services, and support available through public institutions of higher education, the department of higher education, the department of developmental disabilities, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and other public agencies to provide supports identified as necessary and appropriate to support participants over the age of 21 in accordance with said section 30A of said chapter 15A; (v) opportunities available to maximize federal financial participation through Medicaid and federal financial aid to include individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders or other severe developmental disabilities who are over the age of 21; (vi) proposals for any additional legislation and regulation that may be necessary to further define terms, facilitate and advance the offering of inclusive opportunities at institutions of public higher education. The task force shall convene not later than November 30, 2022.

(b) The task force shall file a report containing the results of its study and shall make recommendations to the inclusive concurrent enrollment advisory board, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on higher education and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than April 15, 2023.