McMorris Rodgers Helps Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Help Students with Disabilities Access College Support Services

Washington, D.C. (July 29, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Larry Buschon (IN-04) in introducing the bipartisan Respond, Innovate, Support, and Empower (RISE) Act to ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities by making it easier for them to access the support services they need.

“Everyone, no matter their ability, should have access to higher education and the opportunity for a better life,” said 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.”

The RISE Act will allow college students to use existing documentation of a disability when seeking accommodations on campus, saving families hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Currently, students are required to obtain expensive new evaluations before being granted access to special education services.

The RISE Act:

• Includes 504 plans and individualized education programs (IEPs) as qualified documentation;
• Authorizes an increase in funding for the National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities; and
• Improves reporting on academic outcomes for students with disabilities.

Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

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