BILL NUMBER: S687
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the tran-
sitional pathway program for students in higher education with autism
spectrum disorder
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to encourage CUNY and SUNY schools to
establish transitional pathway programs to support the enrollment and
matriculation of students with autism spectrum disorder.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 355-f
establishing a transitional pathway program for individuals with autism
spectrum disorder in the SUNY school system.
Section 2. The education law is amended by adding a new section 6235
establishing a transitional pathway program for individuals with autism
spectrum disorder in the CUNY school system.
Section 3. Establishes the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Historically, students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have experi-
enced greater difficulty enrolling in and graduating from traditional
colleges and universities. Unlike high school protocols involving Indi-
vidual Education Plans (IEP's) with tailored individualized support,
most college universities are not properly equipped to provide transi-
tional support for students with ASD as they matriculate.
While students with ASD can request accommodations pursuant to the Amer-
ican Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as well
as school policy for extended time on exams and deadlines, it is well
known their needs far exceed the classroom. The process of transitioning
from high school to college is difficult as is and as such this transi-
tion is amplified for students with ASD hoping for an enriching and
holistic education experience. The program outlined in this section
includes several mechanisms to specifically support students with ASD
academically and socially including the designation of low-stimulating
areas on campus for students to build community and connect, requesting
the accommodations they need, providing up-to-date materials on existing
resources and prompt schools to review protocols and procedures for
potential amendment. This legislation aims to bring awareness to the
issue as many colleges and universities begin to address this gap and
provide a foundational framework for implementation.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.