Budget Override Success: Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI)

MAC led successful  advocacy efforts to override the Governor’s veto of $250,000 for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment for Students with Disabilities line item.  In the final budget ICEI received $1.4 million to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in higher education.  This means more students with disabilities will be able to attend college next year through the ICEI program

MAC helped advocate for the ICEI program, which was launched in 2007. The Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI) line item supports school districts and state public institutions of higher education in partnering together to offer an alternative to attend a state college to students with severe disabilities ages 18 to 22.    The goal of the grant program is to meet the transition needs of students with severe disabilities by developing the capacity of school districts to partner with institutes of higher education, so that more students can benefit from the experience of participating in student life of the college community, and have increased opportunities for competitive employment.  Since its launch, the program has enjoyed great success, and demand for the grants has grown.  This increased allotment will allow meet a critical need to allow more students to benefit from the program.

Many thanks to the lead sponsors, Representative Tom Sannicandro and Senator Barbara L’Italien, for their leadership and support for young adults.  We would also like to thank House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, Chairs of Ways and Means Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Brian Dempsey, other conference committee members, and other key legislators including Sen. Creem, Sen. DiDomenico, and Rep. Garballey who supported the line item.