Universities could support disability worker training and career programs

State university and city university trustees may establish grants for community colleges to develop or improve worker training and career ladder programs. The programs would train direct support professionals and support career advancement for people working with people with developmental disabilities. The programs would be set up under an agreement with the developmental disabilities commissioner.

The developmental disabilities office shall establish tuition assistance grants, and a certified provider shall reimburse the college after an employee completes a program. The program covers direct support professionals employed by agencies funded by the developmental disabilities office and serving people with developmental disabilities, as well as other people working with them. Participants must attend community college at least part time: six hours per semester or four hours per quarter. The grant program depends on available state funds and agreements with the community college and the developmental disabilities commissioner. Grants may cover up to half of tuition. They do not cover mandatory fees, books, or room and board. After successful completion, the certified provider employing the worker shall repay the college for half the training or tuition cost. The provisions apply to semesters, quarters, and classroom hours beginning on or after January 1, 2027.