The Arc of Texas Supports HB 2081: Postsecondary Access for Students with IDD
Written Testimony from The Arc of Texas on HB 2081
Access to higher education and employment training for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is more possible than ever, thanks to the creation of Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. These programs were designed to provide students with IDD opportunities to engage in academic, career, and life-skills training to help them transition to employment. However, in Texas, access to CTPs remains extremely limited. Only four institutions offer federally recognized CTPs, leaving most students without the resources needed for long-term independence and success. This gap has real-world consequences:
• Only 5% of individuals with IDD are employed in competitive, integrated employment.
• Students with IDD have few opportunities to access federal financial aid, as only students enrolled in CTP-certified programs are eligible.
• Many students and families are unaware of the few existing options or cannot relocate to attend one of the four available programs.
What is a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)?
A CTP is a degree, certificate, or non-degree program offered by a college or university and approved by the U.S. Department of Education to support students with intellectual disabilities. CTPs are inclusive by design, providing students with IDD access to academic, employment, and independent living skills in a campus-based setting. These programs are essential for ensuring students with IDD can develop the skills necessary for competitive employment and independent living. Additionally, CTPs allow eligible students to access federal financial aid, making higher education more accessible.
• Participation in courses alongside peers without disabilities, both for credit and non-credit
• Advising and support services tailored to student needs
• Internships and work-based learning to build real-world employment skills
• A structured pathway toward independent living and gainful employment
How Many Comprehensive Transition Programs Are in Texas?
Texas has only 4 CTP-certified programs, compared to:
• Florida: 22 programs
• Ohio: 12 programs
• New York: 10 programs
• California: 9 programs
The current CTP-certified programs in Texas are:
- Aggie ACHIEVE – Texas A&M University, College Station
- VAST Academy – Houston Community College
- ELEVAR – University of North Texas, Denton
- TU CASA – Texas A&M University-San Antonio
This places Texas far behind other large states in offering inclusive higher education opportunities. These programs serve only a fraction of the eligible student population across the state.
Florida–A Model for Statewide Investment:
In 2016, Florida passed the Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program Act, creating the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA). The FCSUA:
• Awards startup grants to higher education institutions
• Supports development and approval of CTPs
• Provides technical assistance and oversight
• Administers scholarships for students enrolled in CTPs
Florida’s proactive approach has led to significant growth in inclusive postsecondary programs and improved outcomes for students with IDD, including increased employment rates, social engagement, and independence.
Benefits of Expanding CTPs in Texas:
• Helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) gain academic, social, and employment skills in a college setting.
• Leads to better employment outcomes and increased independence for students with IDD.
• Allows higher education institutions to access grant funding to develop and expand inclusive programs.
• Strengthens the state’s workforce by preparing more Texans with IDD for competitive employment
Conclusion and Recommendation:
House Bill 2081 provides a strategic opportunity to address a longstanding gap in educational equity for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill would:
• Strengthen Texas’ higher education system
• Support institutions ready to serve a more inclusive student body
• Empower students with IDD to reach their full potential
The Arc of Texas strongly urges the House Committee on Higher Education to support HB 2081 and help create greater opportunities for all Texans.
Verbal Testimony by Shelbi Davenport on HB 2081
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Shelbi Davenport, and I am here representing The Arc of Texas in support of HB 2081. I’m here to share my experience both as a graduate of a postsecondary program for students with disabilities and as someone who now works in higher education supporting students with disabilities in college.
I have a rare disease called SCA8, which causes the cerebellum to atrophy. Over time, I will lose the ability to walk and to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills. But that has never stopped me from wanting to learn, to grow, and to contribute to my community.
For many students with disabilities like me, college is seen as not an option. In high school, a counselor told me I shouldn’t go to college because of my disability and encouraged me to take a different path. That moment was crushing—but it wasn’t the end of my story.
I later discovered the PATHS program at Texas A&M—a postsecondary program specifically designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That program changed my life. PATHS gave me the one-on-one support I needed, and it taught me the employment skills required to succeed in the workforce. Just as importantly, it gave me the confidence and the tools to advocate for myself and believe in my future.
A few years later, I graduated from Texas A&M—and was honored to be hired by the very institution that helped shape my journey. I now work for The HOPS Project at Texas A&M, a two-semester training program that supports individuals with disabilities to gain the skills and experiences necessary to transition into competitive, integrated employment in the horticulture industry. Students in our program receive work readiness training and even have the option to earn state or national-level certification.
For the past four years, I’ve seen lives transformed. I’ve worked directly with students who were told the same thing I was—that they couldn’t or shouldn’t go to college. I’ve watched them grow in confidence, secure jobs, and become active, valued members of their communities.
At our program, we’ve seen an 83% employment rate among our students. That’s not just a number—it’s a testament to what’s possible when we believe in inclusion and invest in the potential of people with disabilities.
That’s why HB 2081 is so important. It would help ensure that more students with disabilities have access to programs like these and the opportunities they deserve to pursue higher education and meaningful employment.
Thank you for listening. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. I’ve also provided a written copy of my testimony, which includes my contact information if you’d like to follow up later.