In the legislature’s COVID-19 Recovery law, signed by the Governor in December 2021, the legislature appropriated $10 million for compensatory services for students with disabilities who reached age 22 during the pandemic, enabling them to seek additional programming and support after turning 22 that they may have been unable to access during the pandemic (e.g., when schools were physically closed).

Since then, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been working with other state agencies including the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Department of Developmental Services, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission as well as advocacy organizations like the Federation for Children with Special Needs to stand up a variety of programs that eligible individuals can access. DESE also has shared information about this program with school districts and encouraged them to be in touch with current and former students. The Federation for Children with Special Needs now offers families a direct point-of-contact to assist with identifying services that may be appropriate and accessible.

Individuals to consult https://fcsn.org/transition-support/ for additional information and support.