U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced March 31 the reintroduction of the bipartisan Respond, Innovate, Support, and Empower (RISE) Act, H.R. 2401, which seeks to ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities.
“Everyone, no matter their ability, should have access to higher education and the opportunity for a better life,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “But far too often, people with disabilities struggle to access the services and accommodations they need to succeed in college.”
The RISE Act, which was first introduced in the last Congressional session, would allow students to use existing documentation of a disability when seeking campus accommodations. Additionally, it would include 504 plans and individualized education programs (IEPs) as qualified documentation. Currently, students are required to obtain expensive new evaluations before being granted access to special education services, costing families hundreds or even thousands of dollars, according to information from Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ office.
“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,” she said.
The RISE Act would also authorize an additional $10 million in funding for the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities and improve reporting on academic outcomes for students with disabilities.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers, an original cosponsor, introduced the legislation with U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and lead bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced companion legislation, S. 1071, in the Senate.