The state Board of Regents voted Wednesday to approve the expansion of a University of Iowa program that provides learning opportunities for disabled students.

Realizing Educational and Career Hopes will now feature a third-year option for students enrolling in the program, though students will need to earn a certificate from the two-year program in order to enroll. During the third year, students will receive education similar to the current program with the addition of more career-development opportunities.

Program officials said the third-year option is a response to needs expressed by families and students. The UI’s program is the only one of its kind in the Big Ten, and its students will be expected to take up to four semester hours of career development in their third year. Around six students are expected to enroll for the 2011-12 year.

— by Ariana Witt