Helping the disabled find work

BOSTON (WWLP) - The State Senate has unanimously passed a bill designed to help high school students with disabilities transition into post-secondary education or obtain employment.

Lawmakers said many special needs students are not getting the transition planning services needed to help them further their education, access employment opportunities, and live on their own. Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said this bill raises state standards and makes sure special educators have the necessary training to start evaluating students earlier and transition them into the real world. According to Massachusetts Advocates for Children, the rate of unemployment among adults with disabilities is 70%.

"These are young people who can contribute to the workforce, they can make a difference. They want real work, real jobs, and we need to have specialists to teach them how to do that,” said Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham).

In Massachusetts, students with disabilities are less likely to graduate from high school and their drop out rate is 50% higher than other students. Educators and advocates believe this bill will help alleviate these trends.

The bill now heads to the House for enactment.