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.
  • Accommodations previously provided during high school may not be relevant or appropriate in the college setting.

 

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.

 

Grades and Tests

High School

  • High School IEP and 504 plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading.
  • Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.
  • Makeup tests are often available.
  • Teachers often take time to remind students of assignments and due dates

College

  • Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are not automatically available or assigned available. Format and modality of how tests are given (extended time, test proctors) can be appropriate academic accommodations when supported by disability documentation.
  • Makeup tests require permission from professor.
  • Professors expect students to read, save, and consult the course syllabus: the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected, when it is due, and how students will be graded.

 

Studying Responsibilities

High School

  • Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of a High School IEP and 504 plan.
  • Student’s time and assignments are structured by others, such as the teacher, teacher’s aid, etc.
  • Students may study outside of class infrequently, if most work and assignments are completed in class or while at school.

College

  • Tutoring is not an accommodation that needs to be assigned. Students with disabilities can seek out tutoring resources, which are available to all students.
  • Students manage their own time and complete assignments independently.
  • Studying outside of class or at home is typically required relative to coursework, assignments, and in-class preparation.