Differences Between High School and College for Students with Disabilities
Applicable Laws
High School
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act).
- Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
- IDEA is about Success.
College
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
- ADA is about Access.
Required Documentation
High School
- IEP (Individualized Education Program) and/or 504 Plan
- School provides evaluation at no cost to the student.
- Documentation focuses on determining whether student is eligible for services based on specific disabilities.
College
- High School IEP and 504 plan may not be sufficient documentation, but should still be submitted for review. Documentation guidelines indicate specific information needed related to disability/accommodations.
- Student must obtain evaluation at their own expense.
- Documentation must provide information on specific functional limitations and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations.
Self-Advocacy
High School
- Student is identified by the school and is supported by parents and teachers.
- Primary responsibility for arranging accommodations belongs to the school.
- Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance.
College
- Student must self-identify to the Office of Disability Services
- Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student.
- Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance.
Parental/Guardian Role
High School
- Parent has access to student’s records and can participate in accommodation process.
- Parents can advocate for student.
College
- Parent does not have access to students records without student written consent.
- Parents cannot participate in accommodation process without student’s agreement/consent.
- Student advocates for self.
Instruction
High School
- Teachers may modify curriculum and/or alter curriculum pace for assignments.
- Students are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught in class.
- Students seldom need to read anything more than once. Sometimes listening in class is enough.
College
- Professors are not required to modify course and/or assignment requirements.
- Student is assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing that may not be directly addressed or worked on in class.
- Student needs to review class notes, course text(s), and materials regularly.