20-3-494. Definitions; eligibility; implementation.

As used in this subpart, the term:#

1. (1)

   “Authorized IPSE program” means an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program for students with intellectual disabilities that has been authorized by the Georgia Student Finance Authority for the purposes of awarding IPSE grants to eligible students.#

2. (2)

   “Intellectual disability” means a person:#

   1. (A)

      With a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in:#

      1. (i)

         Intellectual and cognitive functioning; and#

      2. (ii)

         Adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and#

   2. (B)

      Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.#

3. (3)

   “IPSE grant” means an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) grant for education awarded in accordance with this subpart.#

4. (4)

   “Qualified postsecondary institution” means a unit of the University System of Georgia or a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia that offers an authorized IPSE program.#

To be eligible for an IPSE grant, a student shall:#

1. (1)

   Meet the requirements provided for in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and subsection (b) of Code Section 20-3-519.1; and#

2. (2)

   Meet enrollment standards by being admitted and enrolled in an authorized IPSE program at a qualified postsecondary institution.#

Subject to the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly and other available funding, eligible students enrolled in an authorized IPSE program on or before July 1, 2028:#

1. (1)

   Shall receive an IPSE grant in an amount equal to the current academic year standard undergraduate tuition amount at each such student’s respective qualified postsecondary institution; and#

2. (2)

   May receive an additional IPSE grant in an amount not to exceed the fees charged for the current academic year for each student’s respective IPSE program.#

The Georgia Student Finance Authority, in collaboration with the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, shall define such terms and conditions and establish such policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as are reasonable and necessary for the implementation of this subpart, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, requirements that each authorized IPSE program shall:#

1. (1)

   Serve students with intellectual disabilities;#

2. (2)

   Require that a participating student be enrolled in courses with non-disabled peers for at least 50 percent of the courses in which such participating student is enrolled as part of an authorized IPSE program;#

3. (3)

   Provide individual supports and services for the academic and social inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in academic courses, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of the qualified postsecondary institution’s regular postsecondary program;#

4. (4)

   With respect to students with intellectual disabilities participating in the authorized IPSE program, provide a focus on:#

   1. (A)

      Academic enrichment;#

   2. (B)

      Socialization;#

   3. (C)

      Independent living skills, including self-advocacy skills; and#

   4. (D)

      Integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to gainful employment;#

5. (5)

   Integrate person centered planning in the development of the course of study for each student with an intellectual disability participating in the authorized IPSE program;#

6. (6)

   Create and offer a meaningful credential for students with intellectual disabilities upon the completion of the authorized IPSE program; and#

7. (7)

   Participate with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities in the evaluation of the authorized IPSE program.#