Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act; RISE Act
Summary
The RISE Act aims to improve access to higher education for students with disabilities. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure colleges accept various forms of disability documentation. The bill also mandates data collection on students with disabilities in higher education and authorizes funding for a national center supporting these students.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to more students with disabilities enrolling and succeeding in college. It standardizes documentation requirements and increases institutional support. The data collection will also provide insights into the needs of this student population.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined documentation process for establishing disability.
- Increased access to accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Improved data collection to better understand the needs of students with disabilities.
- Enhanced support services through the National Center.
- Greater transparency in institutional policies regarding accommodations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased administrative burden for colleges and universities.
- Possible costs associated with data collection and reporting.
- Risk of misinterpretation of 'reasonable accommodation' despite the rule of construction.
- No direct financial assistance to students, only procedural changes.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on documentation and data collection.
Constitutional Alignment
The RISE Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause by promoting educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. While the Constitution does not explicitly address disability rights, the Act supports equal access to education, which can be viewed as promoting a more perfect union and securing the blessings of liberty for all citizens. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).