Central Florida Public Media

Two bills that would expand services for K-12 students with disabilities have now passed a full vote of the Florida Senate. These bills would expand early intervention programs for students with autism and provide work credentials for students with disabilities, respectively. Senate Bill 112, which would expand Florida’s Early Steps program, make testing for autism free throughout the state, and provide funding for charter schools and summer camps for students with autism, passed the Florida Senate on March 12. Then, on Thursday, Senate Bill 102, which would increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities by providing them with micro-credentials, also passed a full vote by the Florida Senate. The success of these bills is due in large part to Senate President Ben Albritton. The Republican representing DeSoto County, Hardee County, and southwestern Polk County has set about increasing support and services for people with disabilities this legislative session, which ends in May.