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

  • I. E.P (Individual Education Plan) 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. Documentation guidelines 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 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.