OSEP Leadership Conference

1
OSEP Leadership Conference

• Financial Aid for Students with Intellectual
  Disabilities

2
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

• Recently published NPRM details provisions
• Based on discussions from Negotiated Rulemaking
  Process
• NPRM available
• Under the Whats New section at
  http//ifap.ed.gov
• On the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
  http//www.regulations.gov
• Open for public comment
• After reviewing public comments, Department will
  publish Final Regulations on or before November
  1, 2009
• Final Regulations become effective on July 1,
  2010

3
New Program

• Authorized under the Higher Education Act (HEA)
• For the first time, provides Federal Grant and
  Work-Study funds to students with intellectual
  disabilities
• Apply and qualify for Federal aid the same way as
  other students except
• Do not need to have high school diploma or GED
• Do not need to be enrolled for the purpose of
  obtaining a degree or certificate
• Department authorized to waive other requirements

4
Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program

• Offered by postsecondary school that participates
  in the Title IV aid programs
• Designed to support students with intellectual
  disabilities
• Includes an advising and curriculum structure
• Requires students with intellectual disabilities
  to participate in courses and activities with
  students without disabilities
• Must be delivered to students physically
  attending the school

5
Student with an Intellectual Disability

• Defined by the HEA as a student
• With mental retardation or a cognitive impairment
  characterized by significant limitation in
  intellectual and cognitive functioning and
  adaptive behavior
• Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a
  free appropriate public education (special
  education and related services) under the
  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  (IDEA)

6
Program Eligibility

• To offer a comprehensive transition and
  postsecondary program, school must apply and
  receive approval from the Department.
• Detailed description of the program
• Policy for determining whether a student in the
  program is making satisfactory academic progress
• Length and number of credit hours of the program
• Description of the educational credential offered
  or identified outcome(s) for all students in the
  program
• Evidence that the school has notified its
  accrediting agency of the program

7
Student Eligibility

• Must be enrolled in approved comprehensive
  transition and postsecondary program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress under
  schools policy
• Filed a Federal application for aid (FAFSA)
• Not in default on a Federal student loan
• A US citizen or national
• School obtains record from local or State
  educational agency that student is or was
  eligible for special education and related
  services

8
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

• Recently published NPRM details provisions
• Based on discussions from Negotiated Rulemaking
  Process
• NPRM available
• Under the Whats New section at
  http//ifap.ed.gov
• On the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
  http//www.regulations.gov
• Open for public comment
• After reviewing public comments, Department will
  publish Final Regulations on or before November
  1, 2009
• Final Regulations become effective on July 1,
  2010

9
Contact Information

• Laurel Nishi, Office of the Assistant Secretary,
  OSERS
• [phone], or email at
  laurel.nishi_at_ed.gov
• Jessica Finkel, Office of Postsecondary
  Education (OPE)
• [phone], or email at jessica.finkel_at_ed.go
  v