Senator Hassan Proposed RISE Act for College Access

The proposed legislation would simplify disability documentation by allowing high school IEPs for college accommodations.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Special Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of books and a lamp on a table, representing academic accessibility. — Senator Maggie Hassan introduced the RISE Act on Tuesday, a bill designed to streamline the disability documentation process for college students seeking academic accommodations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government standardize disability documentation requirements for colleges nationwide?

Senator Maggie Hassan introduced the RISE Act to eliminate barriers for students with disabilities seeking higher education. The bill would permit high school Individualized Education Programs to serve as official proof of disability for college services.

Why it matters

Many students currently face burdensome requirements to prove their disability status when entering college. By streamlining the documentation process, the act aims to make campus accommodations more accessible.

The RISE Act intends to allow students to use high school IEPs as proof of disability for accommodations. While some colleges already accept past accommodation records, this measure would formalize the documentation standard nationwide.

The players

Maggie Hassan

Maggie Hassan is a United States Senator who has served since 2017 and previously served as the Governor of New Hampshire.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university in Manchester, New Hampshire, known for its extensive online education programs.

The details

Senator Maggie Hassan discussed the proposal during a recent roundtable meeting with students and educators at Southern New Hampshire University. The initiative seeks to remove the administrative hurdles that often prevent qualified students from obtaining necessary academic support.

September 21, 2026: Senator Hassan held a roundtable discussion at Southern New Hampshire University.
Before the end of 2026: Senator Hassan intends to pass the legislation in the Senate.

Roadmap

This legislation builds upon the foundation of existing special education mandates by creating a smoother transition for students entering higher education. It reflects a broader movement toward standardizing accessibility requirements across American colleges and universities.

Students with disabilities would spend significantly less time and money seeking new medical documentation to secure academic accommodations at their colleges. This shift would provide families with a more efficient and reliable path to receiving necessary support services on campus.

The takeaway

Simplifying the transition from high school to college ensures that students are supported immediately upon enrollment. Families should keep track of the bill's progress to understand when these changes might apply to their educational planning.