Congress Reintroduces the RISE Act

The Respond, Innovate, Support, and Empower (RISE) Act has been reintroduced in both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. The bill, which CEC is proud to endorse, would allow college students to use existing documentation such as an IEP or 504 plan as the necessary proof of a disability to be eligible for special education services and accommodations on college campuses. Most schools currently require outside evaluations that can be costly and redundant.

Upon introduction, House bill sponsor Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) remarked “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." Cosponsor Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) noted, “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.” CEC joins over 50 national organizations in endorsing this legislation.

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