H.R. 3939: Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act

This bill, known as the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act (or RISE Act), aims to enhance support for students with disabilities in higher education by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill focuses on improving access to critical information that students and families need when selecting a college and ensuring students' success once they are enrolled. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Definition of Disability

The bill updates the definition of disability within the context of higher education, allowing for broader recognition. It replaces specific references in the existing law to create a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes a disability.

2. Policies for Supporting Students with Disabilities

Colleges and universities will be required to adopt specific policies to assist students with disabilities. Key aspects of these policies include:

• Accepting a range of documents as sufficient proof of disability, including individualized education programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, and evaluations from licensed professionals.
• Ensuring clear and transparent communication about the process for determining eligibility for accommodations.
• Making information about accommodations readily available to students, parents, and faculty, including during student orientations and on public websites.

3. Funding for Support Centers

The bill authorizes funding for a national center focused on information and technical support for postsecondary students with disabilities. Specifically, it allocates $10 million for this center to enhance resources available to such students.

4. Data Collection on Students with Disabilities

Institutions will be required to collect and report data on students with disabilities to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This data will include:

• The total number of students with disabilities enrolled.
• The number of students accessing accommodations.
• The percentage of students with disabilities relative to the total undergraduate population.
• The total number of degrees awarded to students with disabilities.

However, institutions will not need to report data that could reveal personally identifiable information about individual students.

5. Clarification of Rights

The bill clarifies that its amendments do not change the current interpretations of terms like "reasonable accommodation" or "record of impairment" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. This ensures that the rights and protections under the ADA remain intact.

Relevant Companies

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