RISE Act

This bill aims to make college work better for students with disabilities and their families. It would require colleges to accept common proof of a disability—like an IEP (even if it’s not current), a Section 504 plan, a licensed professional’s evaluation, records from another college, or documentation tied to military service—so students can get accommodations without jumping through extra hoops. Colleges would also have to explain clearly how they decide who gets accommodations and share this information in accessible ways, including at orientation and on a public website. It also fixes a small cross-reference in the law’s definition of disability, to line up with current wording.

The bill would fund a national help center with $10 million to provide information and technical support for college students with disabilities. Colleges would have to report basic, privacy-safe data to the federal government about how many students with disabilities they enroll, how many receive accommodations, and how many earn certificates or degrees; schools don’t have to report if the numbers could identify a student. It also says nothing here changes terms or rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Key points

• Who is affected: Students with disabilities and their families; colleges and universities.
• What changes: Easier proof for accommodations; clearer, public policies; required data reporting with privacy protections; funding for a national support center .
• Extra note: The bill does not change ADA rights or definitions of key ADA terms.