The bill aims to improve transition and post-school outcomes for students with disabilities in Massachusetts by mandating the study and development of school-to-work programs. It highlights significant disparities in access to services and employment opportunities for transition-aged youth with disabilities compared to their peers without disabilities. Key recommendations include enhanced training for educators and families on transition services, the appointment of dedicated transition coordinators, and improved data collection to address the challenges faced by these students. The bill also addresses the workforce crisis impacting disability services, emphasizing support for direct support professionals (DSPs) and cross-agency collaboration.
Additionally, the bill proposes initiatives such as the Disability Employment Tax Credit (DETC) to incentivize hiring individuals with disabilities and the establishment of a caregiver-to-caregiver respite network to alleviate caregiver burnout. It underscores the importance of consistent messaging to promote disability-inclusive hiring practices and standardized training for DSPs to improve service quality and workforce stability. Notable insertions in the bill include access to the Department of Economic Research reports, the WorkAbility Report, and information on the Disability Employment Tax Credit, all aimed at providing data-driven insights and support for disability-related employment initiatives.