Committee will make recommendations to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in higher education
DENVER, CO – Sept. 29, 2022: Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), appointed 15 members to Colorado’s Disability Services in Higher Education Advisory Committee that will advise higher education leaders and policymakers on necessary services and best practices aimed at improving access and outcomes for students with disabilities in higher education.
Among several provisions, House Bill 22-1255 directs CDHE to establish a committee comprised of education leaders in disability services, higher education leaders, community advocates and a student who identifies as having a disability. The committee will publish two reports with their recommendations by mid-June of 2023 and 2024. The reports will be posted on the CDHE website.
“The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to promoting access and equity in all of its forms in higher education,” said Dr. Paccione. “Our appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this committee, and we look forward to establishing Colorado as a leader in improving services and outcomes for students with disabilities in higher education.”
The appointees are as follows:
- Tisha Chapman, Vice President of Student Services, Emily Griffith Technical College
- Charlie Couch, University Registrar, University of Northern Colorado
- Chase Cromwell, Student, University of Colorado Boulder
- Paul DeCecco, Director, Military and Veteran Programs, Pikes Peak State College
- Ida Dilwood, Director, Disability Services and University Testing Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Colleen Donnelly, Full Professor, University of Colorado Denver
- William Flowers, Director, Office of Disability and Equity, Community College of Aurora
- Katie Vahey Gaebler, Business Owner, AutismNERD.com
- Gabriel Gates, Coordinator of Disability Support Services, Front Range Community College
- Serina Gilbert, Youth Services Program Manager, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Samuel Jarris, Disability, Intersectional and Autistic Advocate, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
- Gail Lott, Secondary Transition Specialist, Office of Special Education, Colorado Department of Education
- Karen Markel, College of Business Dean, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Tracy Murphy, Executive Director, IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education
- Marla Christine Roll, Director, Assistive Technology Resource Center, Colorado State University
House Bill 22-1255 directs the committee to examine postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities and whether outcomes are affected by a student with a disability’s race, ethnicity, federal Pell Grant eligibility, sex, gender expression or military status. The legislation also directs the committee to examine the availability of financial assistance for students.
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