Last year (in 2023), Texas House Bill 5146 (HB 5146) was introduced with the aim of establishing the Building Better Futures Program, an initiative designed to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their transition to postsecondary education. Although the bill did not ultimately pass, its proposed provisions shed light on the importance of creating inclusive pathways to higher education for individuals with IDD, a mission that resonates deeply with the goals of the E4Texas program.
The Building Better Futures Program, as outlined in HB 5146, sought to allocate funding for Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary programs (CTPs) tailored specifically for students with IDD. Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, this program aimed to provide financial support to eligible institutions offering CTPs, enabling them to expand access and enhance services for students with IDD. While not currently designated as a CTP, this is a goal that the E4Texas program has for the future of our programing.
One of the key components of HB 5146 was the establishment of eligibility criteria for both colleges and students participating in the program. Institutions seeking funding would need to meet specified requirements, ensuring they could effectively support students with IDD in their academic pursuits. Similarly, students would need to meet certain criteria to qualify for enrollment in CTPs under the Building Better Futures Program.
A notable feature of HB 5146 was its emphasis on prioritizing in-state students for admission to CTPs, with out-of-state applicants considered only after all eligible Texas students had been admitted. This focus on providing opportunities to Texas residents resonates with the mission of E4Texas to serve and empower students within the state, fostering a sense of community and belonging among individuals with IDD.
HB 5146 did not ultimately progress beyond the Senate subcommittee on Higher Education, its introduction marked a significant step towards recognizing the needs of individuals with IDD and advocating for their inclusion in postsecondary education. The proposed Building Better Futures Program represented a promising initiative that aimed to break down barriers and create pathways to success for students with IDD across Texas, mirroring the objectives of the E4Texas program.
Another relatively recent effort that DID pass was the creation of the Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program. Created on September 1, 2017 with the passage of Texas House Bill 1438, this program allows individuals with disabilities and their families to set up tax-advantaged savings accounts to cover qualified disability expenses. These accounts are designed to provide individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to save money without jeopardizing eligibility for certain public benefits, which can support their access to post-secondary education options. Overall, these examples of recent legislative efforts are steps toward building a more inclusive and supportive environment for Texas students with disabilities.
Stay informed on all recent Texas policy and legislation involving inclusive post-secondary education by checking out the ThinkCollege website.
