Senators Casey & Hatch Introduce the "Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act of 2016"

December 7, 2016

Senator Casey speaking at the AUCD 2016 Conference

Sens. Casey and Hatch have introduced the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act of 2016, otherwise known as the RISE Act of 2016.

In a time when it is vitally important to ensure students have access to higher education, Sens. Casey and Hatch recognize the need for colleges and universities to provide supports to students with disabilities. The Rise Act will smooth the transition of students with disabilities into their postsecondary careers by ensuring they are eligible for student disability support services. The bill also calls for increased training of university personnel regarding accommodations and supports for students with disabilities and the collection of data regarding disability support services to ensure the services needed are getting to students to increase their opportunities for success.

With Congress poised to begin efforts to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, the introduction of the RISE Act signals that students with disabilities will be part of the effort to increase access to postsecondary education and their needs will be addressed. As Sen Casey stated at the annual conference of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) this morning, "The legislation will help breakdown barriers in higher education, making it easier for students to get help and support as they pursue their education."

AUCD fully supports the RISE Act of 2016, thanks Sens. Casey and Hatch for its introduction, and looks forward to working with them during 115th Congress.