Bucshon, Bonamici, Rodgers, Courtney, Schrier, Molinaro Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make College Support Services More Accessible for Students with Disabilities

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-Wash.), and Marcus Molinaro (R-N.Y.) introduced bipartisan legislation to make the transition from high school to college easier for students with disabilities by making the support services they need more accessible and affordable.

The Respond, Innovate, Support, and Empower (RISE) Act will allow college students to use a variety of existing documentation as proof of a disability when seeking accommodations on campus, saving students and families money and simplifying access to accommodations. Students are currently required to obtain expensive and redundant evaluations before higher education institutions grant access to special education services.

"As a father of a child with a learning disability, I understand the hurdles students must often overcome in order to receive necessary accommodations in higher education, said Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. "All too often, Hoosier students are hampered by redundant requirements that stand in the way of accessing these accommodations. Through theRISE Act, we are working to streamline this process by cutting red tape and increasing transparency for Hoosier students so institutions of higher learning can better support their students."

"Students with disabilities face many barriers to earning a degree or credential after high school, even without the additional burden of unnecessary paperwork and fees," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Senior Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. "Congress can help students with disabilities as they transition to higher education by making college support services more accessible- services for which these students already have a documented need. The RISE Act will reduce expensive and unnecessary requirements that students with disabilities face when entering college, increasing the likelihood that students with disabilities are able to complete higher education. "

"Everyone, no matter their ability, should have access to higher education and the opportunity for a better life," said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. "But far too often, people with disabilities struggle to access the services and accommodations they need to succeed in college. The RISE Act will address the challenges these students face by ensuring information on disability services is readily available for parents and students and by removing barriers to accessing these accommodations."

"I'm proud to help introduce the bipartisan RISE Act with my colleagues to ease paperwork burdens on college students," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. "Going to college can be a stressful time, especially for students with disabilities. This legislation will allow high school diagnoses and treatment plans to transfer to the college level, decreasing unnecessary paperwork and ensuring a seamless transition to college. There should be no gap in support for students, so they have every opportunity to succeed."

"The bipartisan RISE Act eliminates hurdles and expenses that students with disabilities face when seeking reasonable accommodations in college," said Congressman Marcus Molinaro. "Every student, regardless of ability, should have the tools and support they need to succeed."

"There are unnecessary barriers for a student with a learning disability to receive accommodations in postsecondary education. Obtaining a new evaluation to re-prove an existing disability is expensive, time-consuming, and stigmatizing for young adults," said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO, National Center for Learning Disabilities. "The RISE Act is such an important legislative solution to removing these barriers, and we commend Congresswoman Bonamici and other Congressional leaders for their leadership."

Under the RISE Act, qualifying documentation would include a 504 plan, individualized education program (IEP), or an accommodation plan from another higher education institution, all of which could potentially save students and families thousands of dollars. The legislation also requires colleges and universities to inform students, families, and faculty about available accommodations for students with disabilities.

The legislation authorizes an additional $10 million in funding for the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities. This technical assistance center provides essential information to students and families about their rights and responsibilities in higher education and how to access accommodations, and it helps colleges adopt best practices for supporting students with disabilities. The RISE Act requires colleges to improve reporting on academic outcomes for students with disabilities.

The legislation is supported by: The National Center for Learning Disabilities, AIM Institute for Learning and Research, American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Decoding Dyslexia Network, Eye to Eye, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Learning Disabilities Association of America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, National Down Syndrome Congress, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.

Senators Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the Senate companion to the RISE Act.

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