Georgia agency rescinds proposal for students with disabilities

(AJC File)

Credit: Maureen Downey

Credit: Maureen Downey

(AJC File)

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency will not pursue changes some feared would make college less accessible for students with disabilities.

The agency’s executive director, Sean T. Casey, announced Tuesday afternoon it would rescind proposals that included that would require students attend an institution within 35 miles of their home for the first two years after high school and students, to be eligible for financial assistance, must purse a degree, diploma, credential or other certification from a Certified Training Program.

The students take courses at eight Georgia colleges and universities that help them develop careers. There are 104 students total in inclusive post-secondary education programs in Georgia, according to officials with organizations who were concerned about the changes.

The agency held several public hearings in recent weeks, including one last week in Marietta, in which critics asked Casey’s team to reconsider.

“Over the past several weeks, I have been honored to read very personal stories from families impacted by access to higher education,” Casey said in a statement on the agency’s website. “We always want to ensure the policies we implement are designed to create opportunities, improve processes and provide support.”

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