U.S. Senators have introduced the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act, a bill designed to make it easier for students with disabilities to access accommodations in higher education. The legislation was put forward by Bill Cassidy (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee; Jim Banks (R-IN); Maggie Hassan (D-NH); Todd Young (R-IN); Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); and Tina Smith (D-MN).
The RISE Act would amend the Higher Education Act to remove the requirement for additional diagnostic testing if a student’s disability is already documented.
“No student should have to jump through extra hoops or incur extra costs to prove their disability,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This commonsense legislation removes unnecessary barriers for students with disabilities and gives them the resources they need to succeed in college."
Senator Banks commented, “This bill cuts unnecessary red tape and uses common sense to make sure students aren’t forced to jump through the same hoops twice. It lets them focus on learning instead of paperwork.”
Senator Hassan added, “Heading off to college is an exciting time, but for students with disabilities, it can also mean navigating barriers, unnecessary paperwork, and expensive tests to reestablish a documented disability. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities, clarifying that colleges should accept the proof that students used in high school to establish disabilities, saving both students and universities time and money.”
Senator Young stated: “All Hoosiers deserve a fair shot at success. This legislation takes an important step to set clear, consistent standards for people with disabilities in the college enrollment process, increasing transparency for students and families.”
The RISE Act has received endorsements from several organizations including the National Center for Learning Disabilities; American Council on Education; Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU); The Center of Higher Education Policy and Practice at Southern New Hampshire University; AHEAD - Association on Higher Education And Disability; All4Ed; American Psychological Association; Autism Society of America; Council for Learning Disabilities; EdTrust; Learning Disabilities Association of America; National Association of School Psychologists; National Disability Rights Network; National Down Syndrome Society; SchoolHouse Connection; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; and The Advocacy Institute.
“The American Council on Education is happy to endorse the RISE Act. This bill will support students with disabilities as they pursue a postsecondary education and would ease their transition to college. Institutions of higher education strive to provide the necessary services to meet the needs of all students on their campuses, and this bill, if enacted, will provide greater clarity and resources for students with disabilities and their families. We urge Congress to pass this bill and support students with disabilities.”
Waded Cruzado, President of APLU said: “We thank Chairman Cassidy for his collaborative approach to advancing legislation that bolsters support for students with disabilities and enhances educational outcomes data. Public and land-grant universities are deeply committed to serving students with disabilities and helping them build skills that position them to thrive in the workforce and society at large.”
Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of SNHU added: “Students with disabilities have long-faced barriers to enter and succeed in higher education. The RISE Act would be a critical step forward to making higher education more accessible to learners with disabilities by streamlining the process to access critical accommodations to help them reach their educational goals.”
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee plays an important role in federal oversight related to public health policy areas such as education access ([official website](https://www.help.senate.gov/)). In addition its work includes legislating on issues related not only education but also workforce development ([official website](https://www.help.senate.gov/)), affecting federal regulations nationwide ([official website](https://www.help.senate.gov/)). Bill Cassidy serves as chair during this congressional session ([official website](https://www.help.senate.gov/)).
For further information about committee activities or updates from HELP Republicans visit [the committee's official site](https://www.help.senate.gov/) or follow @GOPHELP on Twitter.
