CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Florida Board of Education has voted to eliminate the Certificate of Completion for students with disabilities, a recognition given to those who could not meet the coursework requirements of a standard diploma.

Starting July 1, students will instead be directed toward one of five alternative pathways to earn a standard diploma.

Why you should care:

For some students, the certificate provided a sense of accomplishment and helped open doors to employment. Non-profits like Help Us Gather (HUG), a Clearwater-based group serving children, teens and adults with disabilities, said the change could increase challenges for students already facing higher rates of unemployment.

What they're saying:

Melinda Reed, HUG’s community outreach coordinator, said jobs help pa

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