Improving Access to Higher Education Act

The Improving Access to Higher Education Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve accessibility and completion of postsecondary education for students, including those with disabilities, by authorizing competitive grants to institutions of higher education for faculty and staff training in accessible teaching methods, accommodations, transition support, distance learning, and career pathway guidance. It would establish an Office of Accessibility within the Department of Education to coordinate these efforts and require grant recipients to evaluate and disseminate effective practices. The bill also mandates data submission on students with disabilities and training for real-time writers to provide closed captioning and court reporting services. Grants would be awarded for five-year periods with considerations for geographic, rural/urban, and institutional diversity, and the Secretary must report on grant outcomes and replication guidance.