A recent federal court ruling has extended the timeframe for services offered to special needs students in Connecticut. The requirements could mean added costs for public schools in the state.
As a result of the ruling, the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” now allows for special education students to receive public education until the day they turn 22 — that’s a one year extension.
The state is currently appealing the extension.
Some local school officials have voiced their concerns over the high cost of educating these students — especially for transition centers — even if it is only for one more year.
Transition centers teach students skills for full-time employment, leisure activities, and group homes.
If a district is without a center, tuition to go to a center at a neighboring district could be between $35,000 and $55,000. Additional staff would add costs, and transportation could be thousands of dollars per student.
According to Disability Rights Connecticut, more than 200 students in the state lost services last year after turning 21.