The Arc of Texas Supports Report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Written Testimony on HB 271

Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of HB 271, relating to a report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding enrollment and success in higher education for students with disabilities. My name is Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, and I am the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for The Arc of Texas. The Arc of Texas is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with IDD and support their full participation in the community.

A postsecondary education is critical for opening doors to employment, economic stability, and personal growth. This committee’s work acknowledges that fact, and THECB’s ambitious 60×30 plan reflects bold goals to increase postsecondary attainment. To meet these goals, we must ensure that students with disabilities—who make up 1 in 4 Texans across the state—are not left behind.[1]

The percentage of students with disabilities in higher education has nearly doubled over the past two decades, with 21% of students nationwide reporting a disability in 2020.[2] The enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has improved campus accessibility for students with physical disabilities, and inclusive transition programs now provide students with intellectual disabilities critical job training and life skills. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain. These advancements have opened more pathways to higher education for students with disabilities, but accurate data on their enrollment, retention, and graduation rates remain scarce.

Unlike in K-12 education, students in postsecondary programs must self-disclose their disability status to receive accommodations. While THECB collects some data, inconsistencies across institutions raise concerns about its accuracy. HB 271 will address this issue by requiring THECB to collect and report data on student enrollment, barriers to access, institutional policies, accommodations, and whether students are receiving accurate information about their rights under state and federal law. This data will allow lawmakers and institutions to identify gaps, make informed policy decisions, and improve higher education access and success for students with disabilities.

For too long, students with disabilities have faced systemic barriers in higher education. Without comprehensive data, policymakers and institutions cannot effectively address service gaps or ensure that students have the support they need to succeed. HB 271 provides a necessary foundation for addressing these issues and fostering more equitable access to postsecondary education.

We urge the Committee to support HB 271 and help ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have a fair opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo

Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

The Arc of Texas

[1] Texas Workforce Commission. (n.d.). Vocational rehabilitation for adults. Retrieved March 24, 2025, from https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/adults

[2] U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2023, July 25). Disability Pride Month: We highlight our work on college campus access issues. Retrieved March 24, 2025, from https://www.gao.gov/blog/disability-pride-month-we-highlight-our-work-college-campus-access-issues