Unlike the accommodations process in high school, accommodations in college are a shared responsibility between students, college staff, and faculty.
| High School | College |
|---|---|
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The applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA. |
The applicable law is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and as Amended, and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. |
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IDEA is about success. |
The ADA is about access. |
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Fundamental modifications of programs and curricula are required. |
No Fundamental modifications are required – only academic adjustments. |
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Education is a right and must be provided in an appropriate environment to all individuals. |
Education is not a right – students must meet certain admission criteria. |
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The school district is responsible for identifying a student’s disability. |
Students must self-identify. |
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The school district develops Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to define educational services. |
Student must identify needs and request services – an IEP may constitute sufficient documentation, although the Plan, together with disability documentation, may more clearly outline the functional challenges of the disability and/or establishes a history of accommodations. |
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The school district provides free evaluations. |
The student likely needs to obtain evaluations at their own expense. |
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Student is supported by parents and teachers. |
Student is responsible for seeking assistance from the Disability Services Office, which exists to ensure equal access to students with disabilities. |
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Primary responsibility for arranging modifications belongs to school. |
Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging academic adjustments belongs to the student (who may seek assistance from Disability Services). |
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May have received modifications to the school's behavior code. |
Expected to abide by college’s code of conduct, regardless of disability. |
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Personal Services and equipment for medical and physical disabilities are provided by the school district (i.e., Personal Care Attendant). |
Most personal services or equipment are not provided – however, the Disability Services Office may assist the student in obtaining such services or equipment. |
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Parent advocates for student. |
Student must advocate for self. |