Senate OK’s support for college students with development disabilities

Published: April 20, 2022

By: Rosel Flores| LSU Manship School News Service

State Senator Gerald Boudreaux addresses the crowd attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the relocation of Basin Arts in the historic church at 710 Jefferson Blvd, in Lafayette on Thursday, March 3, 2022. PHOTO BY ROBIN MAY

The state Senate advanced a bill 36-0 Wednesday that would provide financial support for new and existing post-secondary education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Louisiana currently offers six higher education programs that allow students with these types of disabilities to enjoy a college experience and grow educationally and socially.

If approved by the House, the fund would help the students increase their social and communication skills, develop employment skills and produce self-sufficient young adults who could become successful employees.

Senate Bill 192 was sponsored by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, and was discussed more thoroughly on Monday in the Senate Finance Committee, where a large crowd attended to show support.