WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, working with his colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, today included $11 million in the FY10 Omnibus Appropriations Bill to fund model programs at colleges and universities to help students with intellectual disabilities transition to college life. Kohl is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and identified the program as a priority for funding.  

 "College is an important step in many people's lives and it should be no different for those who live with autism," Kohl said. "This funding will establish a program to help students with autism succeed in and graduate from college." 

Rates of autism have skyrocketed in recent years, and much focus has been placed on research to understand this disorder and provide services to young children. If given the appropriate support, many of these children can successfully complete a college degree and go on to live independent and productive lives. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 authorized new competitive grants to establish model programs at colleges and universities to help students with intellectual disabilities transition to and complete college. The programs will focus on academic enrichment; socialization; independent living; and integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to gainful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  

The funding measure was passed by the Senate, and now goes to the President for final approval. 

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