84R29803 BPG-D
By: Naishtat H.R. No. 3260
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The STEPS Program at Austin Community College has
benefited Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities
for more than a decade; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, STEPS was established at the ACC Highland
Business Center to provide a college experience to adults with
different learning abilities; it originally encompassed just three
classes provided by a single instructor, but under the guidance of
program director Mariah Lossing, it has expanded to offer
vocational training and more extensive postsecondary educational
enrichment, and it has become a model for several prospective
programs across the state; and
WHEREAS, The initiative now offers comprehensive services to
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its
original location and also at the Pinnacle, Hays, and Round Rock
campuses; over the past five years, enrollment has increased by 370
percent; more than 80 percent of graduates are employed, and some 22
percent of current students hold part-time jobs; the program's
staff of eight includes two STEPS alumni; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, STEPS has helped students
achieve their fullest potential as happy, productive citizens of
the Lone Star State, and in so doing, it is making a positive impact
in their lives and in the community as a whole; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the STEPS Program at Austin Community
College for its leadership in postsecondary education for Texans
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and extend to all
those associated with the program sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the program as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.