FDOE TAPs and Memos

The following Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs) and Memoranda (Memos) were issued by the Florida Department of Education on subjects related to postsecondary education and students with disabilities. They are listed alphabetically by title.

BEESS Memo Re Dual Enrollment & TPSID
http://fltpsid.info/files/DualEnrollmentandTPSID.pdf
This memo from Cathy Bishop, Interim Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, discusses issues related to the dual enrollment of students participating in TPSID programs, specifically whether they are eligible for the waiver of tuition, fees, and books.

DVR Memo re TPSID Roles
http://fltpsid.info/files/DVRTPSIDMemo10-2011.pdf
This joint memo from Bill Palmer, Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Bambi Lockman, Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Student Education (BEESS), clarifies the roles and responsibilities of DVR and BEESS in implementing Flroida's TPSIDs.

Changes to Legislation Impacting Federal Ability to Benefit (ATB) and State of Florida Financial Aid Eligibility
Florida Department of Education Memorandum (November 7, 2012)
   http://fltpsid.info/files/BEESS_Ability_to_Benefit_memo_10_5_12_sdg(10-29jj).pdf
Describes changes in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 that impact federal financial aid to postsecondary students, specifically that students without a high school diploma or its equivalent who enroll in a CTE certificate or degree program after July 1, 2012, will no longer be eligible for federal financial aid. Students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in approved Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTPs) remain eligible regardless of whether they have a high school diploma or equivalent.

     Federal Ability to Benefit (ATB) and State and State of Florida Financial Aid
     Eligibility
     Florida Department of Education Memorandum OSFA-STATE: #11-12-10
     (March 8, 2012)
   http://fltpsid.info/files/Attachment-_federal_Ability_to_Benefit.pdf

     Elimination of the Federal Ability to Benefit Provision in the Consolidated
     Appropriations Act, 2012
     Florida Department of Education Memorandum (February 13, 2012)
     http://fltpsid.info/files/Attachment-_Elimination_of_the_Ability_to_Benefit.pdf
Explains recent federal law that eliminates the ATB provision for Title IV federal financial aid such as Pell grants. Students who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent will no longer be eligible for Title IV funding as of July 1, 2012. Florida student aid programs that require students to apply for Title IV funding will also be impacted. Students enrolled in a Title IV program before July 1, 2012, will not be affected.

House Bill 7151 - Postsecondary Education, Students with Disabilities Memorandum
http://fltpsid.info/files/HouseBill_7151L.pdf
On July 22, 2011, the Florida Department of Education issued a Memorandum that addresses House Bill 7151. Effective July 1, 2011, House Bill 7151 expands access to postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual disabilities by allowing reasonable substitutions for entry, admission to a program of study, and graduation requirements. Such changes align with the provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), which is intended to assist students with intellectual disabilities to prepare for gainful employment.

RSA Letter re TPSID
http://fltpsid.info/files/RSATPSIDLetter03-2011.pdf
This letter from Lynnae Ruttledge, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education, provides additional guidance on the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services to students in TPSID programs.

Senate Bill 926 - Postsecondary Education Memorandum
http://fltpsid.info/files/SecondaryBill926L.pdf
On July 22, 2011, the Florida Department of Education issued a Memorandum that addresses Senate Bill 926. Effective July 1, 2011, Senate Bill 926 provides employers immunity for negligent or intentional acts or omission by an employee that is an individual with a developmental disability. This bill also allows supported employment providers immunity from liability for the actions or conduct of a person with a developmental disability served that occur within the scope of the person’s employment.