Connecticut Tech Act Project Newsletter

BRS Supports Secondary Education

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN FUNDING OF POST–SECONDARY
RAINING AND EDUCATION UNDER THE
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM.
 

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services [BRS] can provide support for post-secondary education and training to individuals that:

·        have a significant disability, and

·        require post-secondary training as part of a plan to achieve employment.

In order to ensure that BRS can provide Vocational Rehabilitation services to the largest number of eligible individuals, the following changes are being made regarding the funding of post secondary training and education.  These changes will be effective for all individuals starting post-secondary programs on or after July 1, 2003.

1.      For post-secondary certificate programs, associates degree programs, and for the first two years of a bachelor's degree program, funding offered by BRS will not exceed the annual cost of attending a Connecticut Community College (Gateway, Housatonic, Capitol etc).

2.      The maximum financial contribution per school year from the BRS Vocational Rehabilitation program for the last two years of bachelors degree will not exceed the cost of the attending the State University System (Southern, Central, Eastern & Western).

3.      Students may still choose other institutions that will meet their academic or training needs as long as they understand the funding limitations of BRS.

4.      If a program of “required” training cannot be obtained through the Connecticut public higher education systems, then there is a process to waive these cost caps and provide these required services in other institutions. Preference is given to public and in-state programs.

Individuals and their families will continue to be required to apply for and utilize financial aid including their own and family contributions for post secondary education.

Please share this information with students, families and appropriate staff who would be involved in referring individuals to BRS for the Vocational Rehabilitation program.

BRS will be happy to attend speaking engagements or provide any additional information upon request. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-537-2549.

Ficarro’s Feedback – Winter 2003