Should the government provide further accommodation in higher education for students with disabilities?
Bill Summary
This bill would instruct institutions to provide comprehensive accessibility programs, resources, and technical assistance for disabled students. It aims to widen access to and completion rates for postsecondary education among individuals with disabilities. The bill would also offer financial incentives to encourage institutions to prioritize accessibility services and would promote data collection and research pertaining to accessibility. Sponsor: Rep. Mark DeSaulnier [D-CA-11]
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Opponents say
• “A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America” a House budget resolution that advocates cuts to federal education spending, “For too long, the federal government’s excessive spending has put future generations at risk. Massive tax increases or crippling austerity measures are the natural conclusion of our current rate of spending, and future generations will pay the price. Failure to take swift and decisive action is not only inexcusable, it is immoral.”
• According to House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan [R-WI-1], “Stagnant student achievement levels and exploding deficits have demonstrated that massive amounts of taxpayer funding and top-down bureaucratic interventions are not the way to provide America’s students with a high-quality education. It is imperative then that we allocate our financial resources effectively and efficiently to improve education in this country and ensure the continued success of future generations of Americans.”
• According to House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan [R-WI-1], “Stagnant student achievement levels and exploding deficits have demonstrated that massive amounts of taxpayer funding and top-down bureaucratic interventions are not the way to provide America’s students with a high-quality education. It is imperative then that we allocate our financial resources effectively and efficiently to improve education in this country and ensure the continued success of future generations of Americans.”
Proponents say
• Rep. Jared Huffman [D-CA-2], a co-sponsor of the bill, argues, “For students with disabilities in college, a quality education means providing an environment that fosters academic growth and gives them the individualized tools that they need to succeed. Unfortunately, college administrators and faculty face many challenges in providing these essential accommodations and instructional supports. The Improving Access to Higher Education Act will help level the playing field for students with disabilities, allowing every student to access the education and skills needed to live a meaningful and independent life.”
• Bill co-sponsor Rep. Bobby Scott [D-VA-3], who is ranking member of the House Workforce Committee, emphasized, “Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we have more students with disabilities graduating from high school than ever before. This bill will ensure the Higher Education Act is living up to the promise of the ADA and allowing all students to have equal access to higher education so they can fully participate in society
• Bill co-sponsor Rep. Bobby Scott [D-VA-3], who is ranking member of the House Workforce Committee, emphasized, “Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we have more students with disabilities graduating from high school than ever before. This bill will ensure the Higher Education Act is living up to the promise of the ADA and allowing all students to have equal access to higher education so they can fully participate in society
- Representatives DeSaulnier, Scott, Hoyer, Langevin, and Huffman Introduce Legislation to Expand Higher Education Access
- Proposed Bill Seeks to Improve Completion Among Students with Disabilities
- Help Improve Access to Higher Education for Students with Disabilities
- House Budget Committee Introduces “A Balanced Budget for a Stronger America”
