Bill creates modified diplomas for students with special needs

"It's not about just completing something, it's about achieving something and that’s a big difference." 

Delaware House Bill 287 is designed to give students with special needs something they desperately desire. 

"Right now we do not have a diploma process for them, it's more of a completion standard, but they do have special education courses for them. They do work on achieving things, they all have individual plans like we do here at work," says Bill Turner, CEO of Lower Shore Enterprises. 

If 287 passes, it would modify diplomas. Clearing the way for special needs students who hope to one day check the diploma box on their job application. 

"The opportunity to have a diploma, to have a special performance requirement is going to be an opportunity for those people. We are hoping employers and perhaps the military will also be more open to accepting them into their programs and also community colleges and other colleges." 

Everyday Lower Shore Enterprises finds employment for people with disabilities, if not employment then vocational training or outreach in the community. 

With this modified diploma, CEO Bill Turner, envisions a future where the work force sees individual skills and learns more about how they can be useful. 

"What this does is allow the school system to develop a program for that person and what their skill sets are. So that they can achieve the goals that they're good at. It's about success, self-confidence and learning new skills too," explains Turner. 

It's a positive step forward that Turner hopes catches on in Maryland and Virginia. 

Rep. Ruth Briggs King says this bill is still in its early stages and it hasn't left the education committee yet. 

But once the General Assembly is back in session, the bill will definitely be up for debate.