Since 2007, Massachusetts has provided funding to public state colleges and universities that chose to invite individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in college life (e.g., take classes, participate in extracurricular activities, or engage in paid work or internships) as non-matriculating students, with supports and services necessary to facilitate inclusion. The decision about whether to participate in the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) was left to each college/university, and a student’s eligibility for the program ended at age 22.
Despite these limitations, the program was successful, and advocates sought to make participation mandatory for all state institutions of higher education and to eliminate the age cap for persons with “severe disabilities” (including autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities). The Arc of Massachusetts was a lead advocate for this expansion, and in 2022, the legislature adopted key changes to the program.
Reflecting its broader coverage, the program has been renamed “Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education” (MAIPSE). In April 2025, the Department of Higher Education adopted regulations implementing the 2022 law.
Download The Arc’s new fact sheet to learn more.
