LETTER TO THE EDITOR BY ANDREA MITCHELL
As students at the University of Maine, we pride ourselves on being champions of inclusion, access and opportunity. That’s why we should all be paying attention to LD 46: An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
LD 46 would establish a vital state grant program to support students with disabilities in accessing higher education — something many of us may take for granted. These students face significant barriers, from limited program availability to financial hardship. Maine currently offers few postsecondary options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and almost no public funding to expand them. LD 46 would change that.
If passed, this bill would help more students with IDD or autism spectrum disorder attend inclusive programs like UMaine’s Rising Tide or the University of Southern Maine’s TPSID initiative. These programs don’t just benefit students with disabilities — they enrich the entire campus community. This isn’t about charity, it’s about equity. And true equity means ensuring that lower-functioning or lower-achieving students with disabilities are not left behind in favor of those who are considered more “high-functioning” or academically advanced.
As UMaine students, we must push for a future where every student has the chance to learn, grow and thrive — regardless of disability. The bill is currently under consideration in the Legislature, and we can help it pass. Call your legislators. Email the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Share your support on social media. Talk about it in class. Let’s back up our values with action.
Because access to education shouldn’t depend on ability — it should depend on desire, potential and support.
