Oklahoma lawmakers are considering two bills that would grant full tuition scholarships to students with intellectual disabilities. Oklahoma State University founded its Opportunity Orange Scholars program in 2022 to serve students with these disabilities. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished without at Getty subscription.)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Lori Wathen always hoped her son would continue his education after high school.
But Reis, 21, has an intellectual disability, and college programs for students with his needs are often cost-prohibitive, Wathen said.
Opportunities for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities are growing in Oklahoma. Four universities in the past five years have created degree- or certificate-granting programs for these students that also assist with independent living on a college campus.
The price to attend these programs, though, can exceed how much traditional students have to pay.
State lawmakers advanced legislation this week that could make the difference in the Wathen family’s ability to afford a college education for Reis.