TITLE: Recognizing Access College Texas for its leadership in providing postsecondary educational opportunities to Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Access College Texas for its leadership in providing postsecondary educational opportunities to Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Since its establishment in 2013, Access College Texas has been a leader in promoting postsecondary educational opportunities for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, The mission of ACT is to advance the creation of programs that support lifelong learning and vocational training that leads to meaningful gainful employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to raise awareness of existing programs, and to build a coalition of organizations that administer or advocate for such programs; current members of ACT include the Austin Community College STEPS program, the Houston Community College VAST Academy, the Texas Center for Disability Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, and The University of Texas Informal Class program, in coordination with the College of Natural Sciences; and WHEREAS, Representatives of ACT have delivered presentations at conferences and community forums throughout Texas, in addition to addressing state agencies and committees focused on the needs of Texans with disabilities; their determined efforts have helped initiate the development of programs at six colleges and universities, and they have provided guidance to lawmakers and agencies with an interest in increasing the accessibility of postsecondary education; and WHEREAS, The State of Texas gains significantly when individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are afforded opportunities to explore their skills and interests and obtain competitive employment so that they can live as independently as possible, and Access College Texas is to be commended for its admirable work in engaging state and community leaders around this goal; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Access College Texas for its work to provide postsecondary educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and extend to all those affiliated with the group sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Access College Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Naishtat Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3160 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House