Measure Helps Students with Disabilities Transition to Work

Committees in both the House and Senate approved bills that make key improvements to the McKay Scholarship for children with disabilities. The proposal allows schools to develop a 'transition-to-work' program for scholarship students ages 17-22. The program, jointly offered by private schools and businesses, would include academic instruction, work skills training and a paid or volunteer work experience for young adults with disabilities. SB 1088 (Stargel) was unanimously passed by the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee ( 11-0) on Wednesday, while HB 837 (Bileca) unanimously passed the House Education Appropriations Subcommittee ( 13-0) on Thursday. James Herzog, FCCB associate director for education, expressed support for the measure at both committee stops.