Accommodations in High School vs. College
Given the different laws that govern high school and higher education, there are several differences students with disabilities and their families should understand, upon entering college.
| High School | College |
|---|---|
| Laws ensure SUCCESS in K-12 education: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensure all students with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate education. |
Laws ensure ACCESS in college: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensure students have a right to equal ACCESS to both educational and physical spaces. The student is not entitled to a college education and must meet the admissions and program criteria and be identified as "otherwise qualified". |
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The school is responsible for identifying students that may need additional support, and bears the cost of evaluation, once a student is identified.
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The student is responsible for disclosing their condition and/or disability and arranging accommodations with the ADA Office. A student seeking an evaluation assumes the cost. |
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Parents have access to their student's records and may advocate on behalf of the student.
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Students are expected to practice self-advocacy when seeking support. Students must provide written consent to allow parental access to certain records. |
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After the student is approved for an IEP or 504 Plan, the school provides the instructor with the student's accommodations and shares information regarding diagnoses.
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The student is responsible for giving their Letter of Approved Accommodations to each professor, as well as communicating about their needs. Faculty are not informed of the student’s diagnoses. |
| School-based services may include accommodations and a modification of the curriculum. | Under Section 504, professors are not required to modify curriculum, if doing so would be a fundamental alternation of the course structure and/or learning objectives. Reasonable accommodations are appropriate, however. |
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The school may provide students with 1:1 aides, tutors, reminders regarding assignments and due dates, and ensure students receive exam accommodations,
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Students need to hire their own Personal Care Attendants. Students are responsible for remembering due dates, checking their email, canvas, and course syllabi, and seeking professor support during office hours. Additionally, students must schedule their own tutoring appointments and use self-advocacy skills to arrange exam, note-taking, alternate text, and sign language accommodations. |