New legislation opens doors for students with intellectual disabilities at Oklahoma universities
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Media Contact: Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu
A groundbreaking piece of legislation signed into law last fall is making college education more accessible for students with intellectual disabilities across Oklahoma through the newly established Oklahoma Access and Achievement Program Scholarship.
Authored by Rep. Ellyn Hefner and Senn. Ally Seifried, HB 3792, extends scholarship opportunities to students enrolled in inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs. The impact was immediate at Oklahoma State University's Opportunity Orange Scholars program, where four out of nine eligible students received full tuition coverage through the new scholarship program this fall semester.
"The passage of this legislation is critical to the success of inclusive post-secondary education programs in Oklahoma," said Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Developmental Disabilities. "Not only does it provide real financial support for students of families that never dreamed a college education would be a possibility for their child, but the creation of the Access and Achievement Scholarship Program is tangible evidence that Oklahomans believe and support students with intellectual disability joining their peers on Oklahoma's university campuses."
The Opportunity Orange Scholars program at OSU is designed for young adults (between 18 and 26) with intellectual disabilities. The program, designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary education program, offers students the opportunity to pursue a two-year, non-degree academic certificate in Career and Community Studies while being fully immersed in campus life.
The journey to passing this legislation involved extensive educational outreach to lawmakers. Program representatives, including Jones, program director Dr. Emily Tucker, and Opportunity Orange Scholar students, presented at an interim study and spoke before the Disability Caucus. Student Wyatt Short was among those who shared their experiences with legislators, helping to demonstrate the program's impact firsthand.
“The advocacy for getting this bill into law was incredible,” Hefner said. “The students from OOS at OSU visited the Capitol multiple times to share how vital their program is and emphasized the importance of expanding access for more Oklahomans to attend. Including students who can participate in this outstanding program through Oklahoma’s Promise opens up valuable opportunities. I'm so proud of these students and incredibly grateful for their efforts.”
Jones expanded on how this legislation impacts students.
"Access to a college education is a game changer for people with intellectual disability and opens the doors to a brighter future of meaningful relationships and a career that supports their skills and interests," Jones said.
Since the law's implementation, more than 40% of Opportunity Orange Scholars students from Oklahoma have received the Access and Achievement Scholarship.
The legislation represents a significant step forward in creating new opportunities by expanding educational environments in Oklahoma. Students in the program live and learn on campus, participating in the full range of university experiences alongside their peers. This integration supports the broader goal of building communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities can live, learn, work and play together.
The success of this initiative demonstrates Oklahoma's commitment to expanding educational opportunities across its higher education institutions, setting a precedent for similar programs nationwide.
For more information about the Opportunity Orange Scholars program or the Oklahoma Access and Achievement Program Scholarship, contact ooscholars@okstate.edu or 405-744-8298.
Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu