Many recent high school graduates are now embarking on the next phase of their life. For the majority, it means the pursuit of a college education. Until 2016, this opportunity was not available to most Colorado graduates with an intellectual or developmental disability. For these students, graduation was like falling off the cliff.
Under the leadership of state Sens. Bill Cadman and John Cooke, and Reps. Dave Young and Lois Landgraf, Senate Bill 196 passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation will fund a pilot program for inclusive higher education at three Colorado colleges.
Starting this year, an entire segment of our population will now have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, earn a college certificate, gain the skills necessary to lead a more independent life, and become more contributing members of our society.
Thank you to our legislature and the unwavering efforts of The Arc of Colorado and JFK Partners.
It will be a proud day for our state when Gov. John Hickenlooper signs this bill into law.
Beth Leon, Littleton
The writer is board president for the Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education.
This letter was published in the June 7 edition.
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