Improving Access to Higher Education Act

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve accessibility to, and completion of, postsecondary education for students, including students with disabilities, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Improving Access to Higher Education Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Programs to provide students with disabilities with a quality higher education Sec. 101. Supporting postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators in providing accessible education. Sec. 102. Office of Accessibility. Sec. 103. Accessible instructional materials and technology. Sec. 104. Postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Sec. 105. National Technical Assistance Center and National Coordinating Center for Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities. Sec. 106. Definitions. Title II—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 201. Submission of data with respect to students with disabilities. Sec. 202. Training for realtime writers to provide closed captioning and court reporting services. Sec. 203. Perfecting amendment. I Programs to provide students with disabilities with a quality higher education 101. Supporting postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators in providing accessible education (a) Grants Section 762 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140b 762. Grants authorized (a) Competitive grants authorized To support postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators in providing an accessible education (1) In general From amounts appropriated under section 765C, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education to enable the institutions to carry out the activities under subsection (b). (2) Awards for professional development and technical assistance Not less than 5 grants shall be awarded to institutions of higher education that provide professional development and technical assistance in order to improve access to, and completion of, postsecondary education for students, including students with disabilities. (b) Duration; activities (1) Duration A grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. (2) Authorized activities A grant awarded under this section shall be used to carry out one or more of the following activities: (A) Teaching methods and strategies The development and implementation of training to provide innovative, effective, and evidence-based teaching methods and strategies, consistent with the principles of universal design for learning, to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators with the skills and supports necessary to teach and meet the academic and programmatic needs of students (including students with disabilities) in order to improve the retention of such students in, and the completion by such students of, postsecondary education. Such methods and strategies may include in-service training, professional development, customized and general technical assistance, workshops, summer institutes, distance learning, and training in the use of assistive and educational technology. (B) Implementing accommodations The development and implementation of training to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators methods and strategies of providing appropriate accommodations consistent with the principles of universal design (as defined in section 103) for learning for students with disabilities, including descriptions of legal obligations of the institution of higher education to provide such accommodations. (C) Effective transition practices The development and implementation of innovative, effective, and evidence-based teaching methods and strategies to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators with the skills and supports necessary to ensure the successful and smooth transition of students with disabilities from secondary school to postsecondary education. The teaching methods and strategies may include supporting students in the development of self-advocacy skills to improve transition to, and completion of, postsecondary education. (D) Distance learning The development and implementation of training to provide innovative, effective, and evidence-based teaching methods and strategies to enable postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators to provide accessible distance education programs or classes that would enhance the access of students (including students with disabilities) to postsecondary education, including the use of accessible curricula and electronic communication for instruction and advising that meet the requirements of section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794d (E) Career pathway guidance The development and implementation of effective and evidence-based teaching methods and strategies to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators with the ability to advise students with disabilities with respect to their chosen career pathway, which shall include at least one of the following: (i) Supporting internships, apprenticeships registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq. (ii) Counseling on coursework to meet the degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential appropriate for the field chosen. (iii) Developing self-advocacy skills to advocate for appropriate accommodations once in the workplace. (iv) Support with selecting a career pathway that leads to competitive, integrated employment. (3) Mandatory evaluation and dissemination An institution of higher education awarded a grant under this section shall evaluate and disseminate to other institutions of higher education the information obtained through the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (2). (c) Considerations in making awards In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following: (1) Geographic distribution Providing an equitable geographic distribution of such awards. (2) Rural and urban areas Distributing such awards to urban and rural areas. (3) Range and type of institution Ensuring that the activities to be assisted are developed for a range of types and sizes of institutions of higher education. (d) Reports (1) Initial report Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the authorizing committees, and make available to the public, a report on all projects awarded grants under this part, including a review of the activities and program performance of such projects based on existing information as of the date of the report. (2) Subsequent report Not later than five years after the date of the first award of a grant under this section after the date of the Improving Access to Higher Education Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the authorizing committees, and make available to the public, a report that— (A) reviews the activities and program performance of the projects authorized under subsection (b); and (B) provides guidance and recommendations on how effective projects can be replicated. . (b) Applications Section 763 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140c 763. Applications Each institution of higher education desiring to receive a grant under section 762 shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. Each application shall include— (1) a description of the activities authorized under section 762(b) that the institution proposes to carry out, and how such institution plans to conduct such activities in order to further the purposes of this subpart; (2) a description of how the institution consulted with a broad range of people, including individuals with expertise in disability supports or special education, within the institution to develop activities for which assistance is sought; (3) a description of how the institution will coordinate and collaborate with the office of accessibility; and (4) a description of the extent to which the institution will work to replicate the research-based and best practices of institutions of higher education with demonstrated effectiveness in serving students with disabilities. . 102. Office of Accessibility Subpart 1 of part D of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140a et seq. (1) by redesignating section 765 as section 765C; (2) by inserting after section 764 the following: 765A. Office of Accessibility (a) Establishment Each institution of higher education shall establish an office of accessibility to develop and implement policies to support students who enter postsecondary education with disabilities and students who acquire a disability while enrolled in an institution of higher education. (b) Duties Each office of accessibility shall— (1) inform students, during student orientation, about services provided at the institution of higher education, and continually update such information through the accessibility office’s website and other communications to improve accessibility of such services; (2) provide information to students regarding accommodations and modifications provided by the institution of higher education with respect to internships, practicums, work-based learning, apprenticeships registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq. (A) the student may engage in through courses; or (B) are necessary for completion of a degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential; (3) provide information to students regarding their legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. 29 U.S.C. 794 (4) in order to provide appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities, carry out the following: (A) Adopt policies that, at a minimum, make any of the following documentation submitted by an individual sufficient to establish that such individual is an individual with a disability: (i) Documentation that the individual has had an individualized education program (IEP) in accordance with section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1414(d) 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (ii) Documentation describing services or accommodations provided to the individual pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504 plan (iii) A plan or record of service for the individual from a private school, a local educational agency, a State educational agency, or an institution of higher education provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. (iv) A record or evaluation from a relevant licensed professional finding that the individual has a disability. (v) A plan or record of disability from another institution of higher education. (vi) Documentation of a disability due to service in the uniformed services, as defined in section 484C(a). (B) Adopt policies that are transparent and explicit regarding the process by which the institution determines eligibility for accommodations. (C) Disseminate the information described in subparagraph (B) to students, parents, and faculty— (i) in an accessible format; (ii) during student orientation; and (iii) by making such information readily available on a public website of the institution. (D) Provide accommodations to students with mental health disabilities. 765B. Competitive grant for innovation and accessibility (a) Grants authorized (1) In general From amounts appropriated under section 765C, the Secretary may award grants on a competitive basis to institutions of higher education to enable the institutions to carry out the activities described under subsection (c). (2) Duration A grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. (3) Consideration in making awards In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following: (A) Providing an equitable geographic distribution of such awards. (B) Ensuring that the activities to be assisted are developed for a range of types and sizes of institutions of higher education. (b) Application Each institution of higher education desiring to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. Each application shall include— (1) a description of how the institution will carry out the activities under subsection (c); (2) a description of the consultation the institution has had with a broad range of people within the institution, including individuals with expertise in disability supports or special education, in developing the information under paragraph (1); (3) a plan for the sustainability of the program after the end of the grant period; and (4) a written business plan for revenue and expenditures to be provided to the Department under subsection (d). (c) Activities A grant awarded under this section shall be used to— (1) develop and implement across the institution of higher education, a universal design (as defined in section 103) for learning framework for course design and instructional materials to improve campus-wide accessibility to instruction, materials, and the learning environment; or (2) develop or improve distance education courses consistent with the principles of universal design for learning to improve accessibility of instruction and materials. (d) Reports (1) Grant recipient reports An institution of higher education awarded a grant under this section shall evaluate and disseminate to other institutions of higher education, the information obtained through the activities described in subsection (c). (2) Initial report by Secretary Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the authorizing committees, and make available to the public, a report on all projects awarded grants under this section, including a review of the activities and program performance of such projects based on existing information as of the date of the report. (3) Final report by Secretary Not later than 6 years after the date of the first award of a grant under this section, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the authorizing committees, and make available to the public, a report that— (A) reviews the activities and program performance of the projects authorized under this section; and (B) provides guidance and recommendations on how effective projects can be replicated. ; and (3) by amending section 765C, as so redesignated, by striking 2009 2023 103. Accessible instructional materials and technology (a) Establishment of commission The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of Education shall establish an independent commission, comprised of key stakeholders, to develop guidelines for accessible postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies in order— (1) to ensure students with disabilities are afforded the same educational benefits provided to students without disabilities through the use of electronic instructional materials and related technologies; (2) to improve the selection and use of such materials and technologies at institutions of higher education; and (3) to encourage entities that produce such materials and technologies to make accessible versions more readily available in the market. (b) Review In carrying out subsection (a), the commission shall— (1) review applicable information technology accessibility standards; and (2) compile and annotate such accessibility standards as an additional information resource for institutions of higher education and companies that service the higher education market. (c) Membership (1) Stakeholder groups The commission shall be composed of representatives from the following categories: (A) Communities of persons with disabilities for whom the accessibility of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies is a significant factor in ensuring equal participation in higher education, and nonprofit organizations that provide accessible electronic materials to these communities. (B) Higher education leadership, including institution of higher education presidents, provosts, deans, vice presidents or deans of libraries, chief information officers, and other senior institutional executives. (C) Developers of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and manufacturers of related technologies. (2) Appointment of members The commission members shall be appointed as follows: (A) 6 members, 2 from each category described in paragraph (1), shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 3 of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the majority leader of the House of Representatives and 3 of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the minority leader of the House of Representatives, with the Speaker ensuring that 1 developer of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and 1 manufacturer of related technologies are appointed. The Speaker shall also appoint 2 additional members, 1 student with a disability and 1 faculty member from an institution of higher education. (B) 6 members, 2 from each category described in paragraph (1), shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, 3 of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the majority leader of the Senate and 3 of whom shall be appointed on the recommendation of the minority leader of the Senate, with the President pro tempore ensuring that 1 developer of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and 1 manufacturer of related technologies are appointed. The President pro tempore shall also appoint 2 additional members, 1 student with a disability and 1 faculty member from an institution of higher education. (C) 3 members, each of whom must possess extensive, demonstrated technical expertise in the development and implementation of accessible postsecondary electronic instructional materials, shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education. 1 of these members shall represent postsecondary students with disabilities, 1 shall represent higher education leadership, and 1 shall represent developers of postsecondary electronic instructional materials. (3) Eligibility to serve as a member Federal employees are ineligible for appointment to the commission. An appointee to a volunteer or advisory position with a Federal agency or related advisory body may be appointed to the commission so long as his or her primary employment is with a non-Federal entity and he or she is not otherwise engaged in financially compensated work on behalf of the Federal Government, exclusive of any standard expense reimbursement or grant-funded activities. (d) Authority and administration (1) Authority The commission’s execution of its duties shall be independent of the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, and the head of any other agency or department of the Federal Government with regulatory or standard setting authority in the areas addressed by the commission. (2) Administration (A) Staffing There shall be no permanent staffing for the commission. (B) Leadership Commission members shall elect a chairperson from among the appointees to the commission. (C) Administrative support The Commission shall be provided administrative support, as needed, by the Secretary of Education through the Office of Postsecondary Education of the Department of Education. (e) Duties (1) Guidelines Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, subject to a 6-month extension that it may exercise at its discretion, the commission shall— (A) develop and issue guidelines for accessible postsecondary electronic instructional materials, and related technologies; and (B) in developing the guidelines, the commission shall— (i) establish a technical panel pursuant to paragraph (4) to support the commission in developing the guidelines; (ii) develop criteria for determining which materials and technologies constitute postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies; (iii) identify existing national and international accessibility standards that are relevant to student use of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies at institutions of higher education; (iv) identify and address any unique pedagogical and accessibility requirements of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies that are not addressed, or not adequately addressed, by the identified, relevant existing accessibility standards; (v) identify those aspects of accessibility, and types of postsecondary instructional materials and related technologies, for which the commission cannot produce guidelines or which cannot be addressed by existing accessibility standards due to— (I) inherent limitations of commercially available technologies; or (II) the challenges posed by a specific category of disability that covers a wide spectrum of impairments and capabilities which makes it difficult to assess the benefits from particular guidelines on a categorical basis; (vi) ensure that the guidelines are consistent with the requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 12181 et seq. (vii) ensure that the guidelines are consistent, to the extent feasible and appropriate, with the technical and functional performance criteria included in the national and international accessibility standards identified by the commission as relevant to student use of postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies; (viii) allow for the use of an alternative design or technology that results in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities than would be provided by compliance with the guidelines; and (ix) provide that where electronic instructional materials, or related technologies, that comply fully with the guidelines are not commercially available, or where such compliance is not technically feasible, the institution may select the product that best meets the guidelines consistent with the institution’s business and pedagogical needs. (2) Annotated list of information technology standards Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, subject to a 6-month extension that it may exercise at its discretion, the commission established in section 2 shall, with the assistance of the technical panel established under paragraph (4), develop and issue an annotated list of information technology standards. (3) Approval Issuance of the guidelines and annotated list of information technology standards shall require approval of at least 75 percent of the members of the commission. (4) Technical panel Not later than 1 month after first meeting, the Commission shall appoint and convene a panel of 12 technical experts, each of whom shall have extensive, demonstrated technical experience in developing, researching, or implementing accessible postsecondary electronic instructional materials, or related technologies. The commission has discretion to determine a process for nominating, vetting, and confirming a panel of experts that fairly represents the stakeholder communities on the commission. The technical panel shall include a representative from the United States Access Board. (f) Review of guidelines Not later than 5 years after issuance of the guidelines and annotated list of information technology standards described in subsections (a) and (b), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Education shall publish a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comment about whether there is a need to reconstitute the commission to update the guidelines and annotated list of information technology standards to reflect technological advances, changes in postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies, or updated national and international accessibility standards. The Secretary shall then submit a report and recommendation to Congress regarding whether the Commission should be reconstituted. (g) Rule of application (1) Nonconforming Postsecondary Electronic Instructional Materials Or Related Technologies Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an institution of higher education to require, provide, or both recommend and provide, postsecondary electronic instructional materials or related technologies that conform to the guidelines. However, an institution that selects or uses nonconforming postsecondary electronic instructional materials or related technologies must otherwise comply with existing obligations under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 12181 et seq. (2) Relationship To Existing Laws And Regulations With respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. (A) to authorize or require conduct prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including the regulations issued pursuant to those laws; (B) to expand, limit, or alter the remedies or defenses under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (C) to supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or (D) to limit the authority of Federal agencies to issue regulations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Annotated list of information technology standards The term annotated list of information technology standards (2) Postsecondary electronic instructional materials The term postsecondary electronic instructional materials (3) Related technologies The term related technologies (4) Technical panel The term technical panel 104. Postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities (a) Purpose Section 766 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140f 766. Purpose It is the purpose of this subpart to support inclusive programs that promote the successful transition of students with intellectual disabilities into higher education and the earning of a degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential issued by the institution of higher education. . (b) Programs for students with intellectual disabilities Section 767 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140g 767. Inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities (a) Grants authorized (1) In general From amounts appropriated under section 769(a), the Secretary shall annually award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education (or consortia of three or more institutions of higher education), to enable such institutions or consortia to create or expand a comprehensive transition and postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. (2) Eligibility and appropriations limits (A) Relation to other grants An institution of higher education that received a grant under this section before the date of the enactment of the Improving Access to Higher Education Act may not receive an additional grant under this section unless— (i) the institution receives a grant as part of a consortium of three or more institutions of higher education; or (ii) the grant term of such preceding grant has ended. (B) Limitation on amounts (i) Institution of higher education A grant under this section made to an institution of higher education may not be in an amount greater than $300,000. (ii) Consortium A grant under this section made to a consortia of institutions of higher education may not be in an amount greater than $500,000. (3) Administration The program under this section shall be administered by the office in the Department that administers other postsecondary education programs in consultation with the Office of Postsecondary Education and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education. (4) Duration of grants A grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. (b) Application An institution of higher education or a consortium desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Award basis In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall— (1) provide for an equitable geographic distribution of such grants; (2) to the extent possible, provide for an equitable distribution of such grants between 4-year institutions of higher education and 2-year institutions of higher education, including community colleges; (3) provide grant funds for high-quality, inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities, hereinafter referred to as inclusive higher education programs, that will serve areas that are underserved by programs of this type; (4) in the case of an institution of higher education that provides institutionally owned or operated housing for students attending the institution, award grants only to such institutions that integrate students with intellectual disabilities into the housing offered to students without disabilities or to institutions that provide such integrated housing through providing supports to students directly or through partnerships with other organizations; (5) provide grant funds to encourage involvement of students attending institutions of higher education in the fields of special education, general education, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, or related fields in the program; (6) select applications that— (A) demonstrate an existing comprehensive transition and postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities that is title IV eligible; or (B) agree to establish such a program; and (7) give preference to applications submitted under subsection (b) that agree to incorporate into the inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities carried out under the grant one or more of the following elements: (A) The formation of a partnership with any relevant agency serving students with intellectual disabilities, such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. (B) Applications that represent geographically underserved States. (d) Use of funds; requirements An institution of higher education or consortium receiving a grant under this section shall— (1) use the grant funds to establish an inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities that— (A) serves students with intellectual disabilities; (B) provides individual supports and services for the academic and social inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in academic courses, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of the regular postsecondary program; (C) with respect to the students with intellectual disabilities participating in the program, provides a focus on— (i) academic and career development; (ii) socialization and inclusion with the general student population; (iii) independent living skills, including self-advocacy skills; and (iv) integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to competitive integrated employment; (D) integrates person-centered planning in the development of the course of study for each student with an intellectual disability participating in the program; (E) plans for the sustainability of the program after the end of the grant period, with a written business plan for revenue and expenditures to be provided to the Department by the end of year 3; and (F) awards a degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential for students with intellectual disabilities upon the completion of the program; (2) in the case of an institution of higher education that provides institutionally owned or operated housing for students attending the institution or integrated housing through providing supports to students directly or through partnerships with other organizations, provide for the integration of students with intellectual disabilities into housing offered to students without disabilities; (3) participate with the coordinating center established under section 777(b) in the evaluation of the program, including by regularly submitting data on experiences and outcomes of individual students participating in the program; and (4) partner with one or more local educational agencies to support students with intellectual disabilities participating in the program who are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. 20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq. (e) Matching requirement An institution of higher education (or consortium) that receives a grant under this section shall provide matching funds toward the cost of the inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities carried out under the grant. Such matching funds may be provided in cash or in-kind, and shall be in an amount of not less than 25 percent of the amount of such costs. (f) Data Collection and Transmission (1) In general An institution or consortium receiving a grant under this section shall collect and transmit to the coordinating center established under section 777(b) on an annual basis for each student who is enrolled in the program, student-level information related to the experiences and outcomes of students who participate in the inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities. (2) Longitudinal data Each grantee shall collect longitudinal outcome data from each student participating in the program and transmit such data to the coordinating center established under section 777(b). Such longitudinal data shall be collected for every student each year for 5 years after the student graduates from, or otherwise exits, the program. (3) Data to be collected The program-level information and data and student-level information and data to be collected under this subsection shall include— (A) the number and type of postsecondary education courses taken and completed by the student; (B) academic outcomes; (C) competitive, integrated employment outcomes; (D) independent living outcomes; and (E) social outcomes. (g) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of the first grant awarded under this section, the Secretary shall prepare and disseminate a report to the authorizing committees and to the public that— (1) reviews the activities of the inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities funded under this section; and (2) provides guidance and recommendations on how effective programs can be replicated. . (c) Authorization of appropriations Section 769(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140i 2009 2023 105. National Technical Assistance Center and National Coordinating Center for Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities (a) In general Section 777 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140q 777. National Technical Assistance Center and Coordinating Center for Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities (a) National Technical Assistance Center (1) In general From amounts appropriated under paragraph (5), the Secretary shall award a grant to, or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity to provide for the establishment and support of a National Technical Assistance Center. The National Technical Assistance Center shall carry out the duties set forth in paragraph (4). (2) Administration The program under this section shall be administered by the office in the Department that administers other postsecondary education programs in consultation with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. (3) Eligible entity In this subpart, the term eligible entity (A) transitioning students with disabilities from secondary school to postsecondary education; (B) supporting students with disabilities in postsecondary education; (C) technical knowledge necessary for the dissemination of information in accessible formats; and (D) working with diverse types of institutions of higher education, including community colleges. (4) Duties The duties of the National Technical Assistance Center shall include the following: (A) Assistance to students and families The National Technical Assistance Center shall provide information and technical assistance to students with disabilities and the families of students with disabilities to support students across the broad spectrum of disabilities, including— (i) information to assist individuals with disabilities who are prospective students of an institution of higher education in planning for postsecondary education while the students are in secondary school; (ii) information and technical assistance provided to individualized education program teams (as defined in section 614(d)(1) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) for secondary school students with disabilities, and to early outreach and student services programs, including programs authorized under subparts 2, 4, and 5 of part A of title IV, to support students across a broad spectrum of disabilities with the successful transition to postsecondary education; (iii) research-based supports, services, and accommodations which are available in postsecondary settings, including services provided by other agencies such as vocational rehabilitation; (iv) information on student mentoring and networking opportunities for students with disabilities; and (v) effective recruitment and transition programs at postsecondary educational institutions. (B) Assistance to institutions of higher education The National Technical Assistance Center shall provide information and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and administrators of institutions of higher education to improve the services provided to, the accommodations for, the retention rates of, and the completion rates of, students with disabilities in higher education settings, which may include— (i) collection and dissemination of best and promising practices and materials for accommodating and supporting students with disabilities, including practices and materials supported by the grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements authorized under subparts 1, 2, and 3; (ii) development and provision of training modules for higher education faculty on exemplary practices for accommodating and supporting postsecondary students with disabilities across a range of academic fields, which may include universal design for learning and practices supported by the grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements authorized under subparts 1, 2, and 3; and (iii) development of technology-based tutorials for higher education faculty and staff, including new faculty and graduate students, on best and promising practices related to support and retention of students with disabilities in postsecondary education. (C) Information collection and dissemination The National Technical Assistance Center shall be responsible for building, maintaining, and updating a database of disability support services information with respect to institutions of higher education, or for expanding and updating an existing database of disabilities support services information with respect to institutions of higher education. Such database shall be available to the general public through a website built to high technical standards of accessibility practicable for the broad spectrum of individuals with disabilities. Such database and website shall include available information on— (i) disability documentation requirements; (ii) support services available; (iii) links to financial aid; (iv) accommodations policies; (v) accessible instructional materials; (vi) other topics relevant to students with disabilities; and (vii) the information in the report described in subparagraph (E). (D) Disability support services The National Technical Assistance Center shall work with organizations and individuals with proven expertise related to disability support services for postsecondary students with disabilities to evaluate, improve, and disseminate information related to the delivery of high quality disability support services at institutions of higher education. (E) Review and report Not later than three years after the establishment of the National Technical Assistance Center, and every two years thereafter, the National Technical Assistance Center shall prepare and disseminate a report to the Secretary and the authorizing committees analyzing the condition of postsecondary success for students with disabilities. Such report shall include— (i) a review of the activities and the effectiveness of the programs authorized under this part; (ii) annual enrollment and graduation rates of students with disabilities in institutions of higher education from publicly reported data; (iii) recommendations for effective postsecondary supports and services for students with disabilities, and how such supports and services may be widely implemented at institutions of higher education; (iv) recommendations on reducing barriers to full participation for students with disabilities in higher education; and (v) a description of strategies with a demonstrated record of effectiveness in improving the success of such students in postsecondary education. (F) Staffing of the center In hiring employees of the National Technical Assistance Center, the National Technical Assistance Center shall consider the expertise and experience of prospective employees in providing training and technical assistance to practitioners. (5) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000. (b) The National Coordinating Center for Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities (1) Definition of eligible entity In this subsection, the term eligible entity (A) higher education; (B) the education of students with intellectual disabilities; (C) the development of inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities; and (D) evaluation and technical assistance. (2) In general From amounts appropriated under paragraph (7), the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement, on a competitive basis, with an eligible entity for the purpose of establishing a coordinating center for institutions of higher education that offer inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities, including institutions participating in grants authorized under subpart 2 to provide— (A) recommendations related to the development of standards for such programs; (B) technical assistance for such programs; and (C) evaluations for such programs, including systematic collection of data on the experiences and outcomes of individuals with intellectual disabilities. (3) Administration The program under this subsection shall be administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education, in collaboration with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. (4) Duration The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement under this subsection for a period of five years. (5) Requirements of cooperative agreement The eligible entity entering into a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall establish and maintain a coordinating center that shall— (A) serve as the technical assistance entity for all inclusive higher education programs and comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities; (B) provide technical assistance regarding the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of such programs; (C) evaluate such programs using qualitative and quantitative methodologies for measuring program strengths in the areas of academic access, academic enrichment, socialization, competitive integrated employment, attainment of a degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential, and independent living; (D) evaluate participant progress by creating and maintaining a database of student-level information and data related to the experiences and outcomes of youth who participate in each inclusive higher education program that receives a grant under this subpart; (E) create and maintain a mechanism for continuing to collect outcome information from students who participated in inclusive higher education programs that were developed in previous grant award cycles; (F) assist recipients of a grant under this subpart in efforts to award a meaningful credential and to seek institution of higher education approval for any newly developed credentials; (G) create and maintain a database of student and program level data reflecting implementation of the inclusive higher education program that receives a grant under this subpart; (H) create and maintain a mechanism to consolidate follow up data on student outcomes collected by inclusive higher education programs funded through previous grant cycles; (I) assist recipients of grants under subpart 2 in efforts to award a degree, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential to students with intellectual disabilities upon the completion of such programs; (J) identify model memoranda of agreement for use between or among institutions of higher education and State and local agencies providing funding for such programs; (K) develop recommendations for the necessary components of such programs, such as— (i) academic, career and technical, social, and independent living skills; (ii) evaluation of student progress; (iii) program administration and evaluation; (iv) student eligibility; (v) issues regarding the equivalency of a student’s participation in such programs to semester, trimester, quarter, credit, or clock hours at an institution of higher education, as the case may be; and (vi) access to student housing for students participating in the inclusive higher education programs, including accommodations and services that support independent living; (L) review and analyze— (i) the impact of Federal and State legislation on inclusive higher education and inclusive higher education policy; and (ii) funding streams for such programs; (M) provide recommendations regarding the funding streams described in paragraph (H)(ii); (N) develop mechanisms for regular communication, outreach and dissemination of information about inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual disabilities under subpart 2 between or among such programs and to families and prospective students; (O) host a meeting of all recipients of grants under subpart 2 not less often than once each year; and (P) convene a work group to continue the development of and recommendations for model criteria, standards, and components of inclusive higher education programs and comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities, that are appropriate for the development of accreditation standards— (i) which work group shall include— (I) an expert in community college education; (II) an expert in career technical education; (III) an expert in 4-year institutions of higher education; (IV) an expert in special education; (V) a disability organization that represents students with intellectual disabilities; (VI) a representative from the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity; and (VII) a representative of a regional or national accreditation agency or association; and (ii) the work group will carry out the following activities— (I) conduct outreach to accrediting agencies; (II) develop a technical guidance document to support implementation of the model standards; (III) develop and conduct a protocol for field testing and implementing the model standards; and (IV) update recommendations for the model standards, criteria, and components of such programs, as applicable. (6) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of the establishment of the coordinating center under this subsection, the coordinating center shall report to the Secretary, the authorizing committees, and the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity on the activities described in paragraph (5). (7) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 778 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is repealed. 106. Definitions Section 760 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1140 760. Definitions In this part: (1) Comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities The term comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities (A) Is offered by an institution of higher education. (B) Is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at an institution of higher education in order to prepare for competitive integrated employment. (C) Includes student advising and a program of study. (D) Requires students with intellectual disabilities to participate on not less than a half-time basis as determined by the institution, with such participation focusing on academic and career development components and occurring through one or more of the following activities: (i) Regular enrollment in credit-bearing courses with students without disabilities that are offered by the institution. (ii) Auditing or participating in courses with students without disabilities that are offered by the institution and for which the student does not receive regular academic credit. (iii) Enrollment in noncredit-bearing, nondegree courses with students without disabilities. (iv) Participation in internships, apprenticeships, or work-based experiences in competitive integrated settings for a semester, or multiple semesters. (E) Requires students with intellectual disabilities to be socially and academically integrated with students without disabilities to the maximum extent practicable. (F) Does not require the work components (ii) to occur each semester. (2) Disability The term disability 42 U.S.C. 12102 (3) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education (4) Office of accessibility The term Office of Accessibility (5) Recognized postsecondary credential The term recognized postsecondary credential (6) Student with an intellectual disability The term student with an intellectual disability (A) with a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in— (i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and (ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; (B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (C) or, in the case of a student who has not currently or formerly been found eligible for a free appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (i) a documented comprehensive and individualized psycho-educational evaluation and diagnosis of an intellectual disability by a psychologist or other qualified professional; or (ii) a record of the disability from a local or State educational agency, or government agency, such as the Social Security Administration or a vocational rehabilitation agency, that identifies the intellectual disability. (7) Universal design for learning The term universal design for learning (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and (B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient. . II Miscellaneous provisions 201. Submission of data with respect to students with disabilities Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1094(a) (30) The institution will submit, for inclusion in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System of the Department or any other Federal postsecondary institution data collection effort, key data related to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the institution who are formally registered as students with disabilities with the institution’s office of accessibility, including the total number of students with disabilities enrolled, the number of students accessing or receiving accommodation, the percentage of students with disabilities of all undergraduate students, and the total number of undergraduate certificates or degrees awarded to students with disabilities. An institution shall not be required to submit the information described in the preceding sentence if the number of such students would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student. . 202. Training for realtime writers to provide closed captioning and court reporting services Section 872(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1161s(e) 2009 2023 203. Perfecting amendment Section 103(6) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1003(6) section 3(2) section 3

Summary: Improving Access to Higher Education Act This bill addresses accessibility issues of students with disabilities in higher education. Specifically, the bill revises a grant program that supports institutions of higher education (IHEs) in educating students with disabilities. The Department of Education must award at least five grants to an IHE that provides professional development and technical assistance in order to improve access to and completion of postsecondary education for students, including students with disabilities. The bill also (1) revises and reauthorizes through FY2028 a program for national technical assistance centers that assist students with disabilities, and (2) reauthorizes through FY2028 a program to promote training and job placement of real-time writers to provide closed captioning of videos. Further, the bill establishes a new program that awards grants to IHEs for certain activities that improve accessibility of instruction and materials, such as distance education courses. The bill also establishes an independent commission to develop guidelines for accessible postsecondary electronic instructional materials and related technologies. In addition, the bill requires each IHE to establish an office of accessibility to develop and implement policies that support students with disabilities.