A groundbreaking initiative to enhance career opportunities for students with disabilities was unveiled during the Maryland Department of Education's Blueprint Special Education Workgroup meeting on September 20, 2023. The meeting highlighted a significant $10 million grant from the Federal Disability Innovation Fund aimed at increasing access to industry-recognized credentials and apprenticeships for these students.

The discussion centered on the urgent need to address the inequities faced by students with special needs in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Currently, many students with disabilities are not receiving the same opportunities for apprenticeships as their peers, often relegated to less meaningful job training. "We are looking at alternative measures that have strong predictability to help open the net," one participant noted, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways that are inclusive and equitable.

The Blueprint envisions that 45% of students will earn industry-recognized credentials or pursue apprenticeships, yet students with disabilities are disproportionately left out of these opportunities. The meeting underscored the necessity of collaboration among various agencies, including the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and local jurisdictions, to disrupt low expectations and foster a more inclusive environment.

The newly announced grant aims to change the narrative by focusing on getting students with disabilities into meaningful internships and apprenticeships, rather than just job placements. "This is about unlocking answers and disrupting in the right way," a participant stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts with partners like Parents' Place and the University of Maryland.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of addressing existing standards and expectations for the progress of students with disabilities was clear. The upcoming initiatives promise to reshape the landscape of career readiness for these students, ensuring they have the same opportunities to succeed as their peers. The Maryland Department of Education is poised to take significant steps forward in creating a more equitable future for all students.