Senator Hassan Hosts Discussion on Helping Students with Disabilities Access College

HOOKSETT - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan joined higher education leaders, students, and disability advocates at Southern New Hampshire University on Monday to discuss her bipartisan Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act, which would make it easier for students with disabilities to access accommodations in college.

The legislation, which Senator Hassan introduced alongside Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), would help reduce barriers that students with disabilities face when seeking accommodations in higher education, including by allowing students to use documentation that previously qualified them for accommodations rather than requiring them to provide duplicative documentation that can be costly and time intensive to secure. The bill advanced from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in July.

"It was great to be at Southern New Hampshire University to hear from students about their experiences on campus, and the work of staff at colleges and universities across the Granite State to make sure that all students, regardless of any disabilities, have access to higher education," said Senator Hassan. "The start of college can bring extra challenges for students with disabilities, who may be forced to provide unnecessary paperwork and pay for expensive tests to reestablish a documented disability. I know first-hand the importance of every child being able to learn at school and fully participate in our communities, which is why I will continue to urge my colleagues to pass my bipartisan RISE Act and ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities so that they can focus on their education."

See more: Hassan pushes for passage of RISE Act to help students with disabilities attend college (WMUR)

At the event, participants shared their experiences and discussed how the RISE Act could ease the transition from high school to higher education for students with disabilities.

"For learners with disabilities, the transition to college can bring additional barriers, including complex processes and documentation requirements. That is why conversations like today's matter. The RISE Act focuses on making that transition clearer and more consistent for students. It also reflects something we believe deeply at SNHU. Access alone is not enough. We must design systems and experiences that give every learner the opportunity to persist, succeed and achieve their goals," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President, SNHU.

"Our experience shows this approach is achievable at scale without lowering academic standards. The RISE Act would provide greater clarity and consistency across higher education so students can access needed accommodations regardless of which institution they attend," said Jennifer Batchelor, Provost, SNHU.

Senator Hassan leads several efforts to ensure that individuals who experience disabilities receive the support that they need to be fully included in their communities. Last year, she helped introduce legislation that would require the federal government to fully fund 40 percent of the cost of special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a commitment made by the federal government more than 50 years ago. Senator Hassan also helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to support autism education, research, and resources. Senator Hassan also helped secure funding to help families of children experiencing disabilities navigate the special education process and better access the resources available as part of a bipartisan government funding package.

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