610 CMR 15.00, “Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative Program Guidelines,” stems from FY 2023 budget language requiring all Massachusetts public undergraduate colleges and universities to be prepared to offer opportunities for those students 18 and over with severe disabilities who are otherwise not able to achieve the underlying competency determinations needed to secure a high school diploma. Under the 2023 law and these implementing regulations, such students can participate in courses as non-matriculating students with their nondisabled peers and engage in other aspects of campus life. Prior to 2022, these opportunities were limited to students ages 18-22.
The March 2025 updates to Massachusetts’ regulations on inclusive postsecondary enrollment were informed by the recommendations of a 21-member task force consisting of representatives from state agencies and advocacy groups. 610 CMR 15.00 seeks to strengthen partnerships with state health and human services agencies that support individuals with disabilities, defines expectations for the development of collaborative, individual student-centered participation plans, and sets forth reporting requirements for campuses.
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