Florida’s new high school graduation requirements are drawing pushback from parents, especially families of students with disabilities.

The state Board of Education recently eliminated certificates of completion as an option for students who finish coursework but don’t meet full diploma standards. Parents worry the change could leave students with special needs with fewer opportunities after high school.

“Special education right now is a hotbed of problems—lack of funding, lack of resources,” said Sandy Santiero, an Individualized Education Program coach.

State officials say the goal is to better prepare students with disabilities for college, careers, and independent living, rather than issuing a certificate that limits future options.

But parents like Janet Atkinson, whose son has special needs, fear the shift overlooks the reality many families face. “When your child turns 22 and is out of school, you don’t have too many choices,” she said, adding that more funding is needed for adult programs and services.

Some Tampa Bay schools and nonprofits, including Pepin Academies, provide job training and internships. Still, advocates argue far more is needed.

“We need organizations that really make an effort to employ people with intellectual disabilities,” said Tampa Councilman Luis Viera. He noted the city budgets $100,000 a year for special needs internships, but only two hires have resulted. “Somewhere out there, there are 10 or 20 people with special needs sitting at home because we haven’t acted,” he said.

The state board maintains that multiple diploma pathways remain available. Hillsborough County school leaders added that most students with disabilities meet graduation requirements, and those who don’t pass state tests can often qualify for a waiver to receive a diploma and participate in commencement.

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