The Senate passed a bill Monday that would make it easier for students with disabilities to use records from high school when seeking accommodations in college. The chamber approved the amended measure by voice vote, according to the Senate’s floor record.
What students could use
The Senate-passed text of S. 3589 would require covered colleges to accept specified records as sufficient to establish that a student has a disability. Among them is an individualized education program used at any point in high school. Students could use qualifying records they already have when approaching the college office that handles disability services.
Establishing a disability is one step in requesting an accommodation. The bill also addresses the information colleges make publicly available about their disability services, so students and families can look up the process before enrolling.
What happens next
The Senate vote advances the proposal. It would still need approval from the House and the president’s signature to become law through the usual legislative process.