Students with disabilities in Pennsylvania will get more time in school under settlement

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Students with disabilities in Pennsylvania will now receive free support through the public education system for an additional year than current policy dictates. A settlement with the state’s Department of Education was announced Thursday. Under the new policy that goes into effect Sept. 5, students will be eligible to receive free services until they turn 22, rather than aging out of the program the summer after they turn 21. Students who aged out during the last school year under the old policy will be able to re-enroll in the upcoming academic year. The new policy will continue offering students support services to help them transition into adulthood, as well as speech therapy and occupational therapy.