THERE ARE NO MORE IEPS OR 504 PLANS IN COLLEGE.

HOWEVER, THERE ARE DISABILITY PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR ENROLLED STUDENTS.

WHAT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES NEED TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE

BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A.

RIGHTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

There are mandates to prevent discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that all colleges must follow. Although students do not have to disclose their disability, if they need supports they can contact the college special services department to discuss accommodations.

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS CAN BE PROVIDED IN COLLEGE?

Some examples of accommodations that can be given include: using a calculator, testing free of distraction, extra time, recording rather than writing class notes, typing rather than writing notes and homework, etc. Accommodations are based on what each individual student needs. High schools can help prepare students, and a detailed list of how to help students ask for accommodations is available at Edutopia (see Resources).

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Parent Centers funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) can help families with transition IEPs during high school. Centers for Independent Living can help students during high school and beyond with independent living skills. Think College has resources to prepare students with disabilities for college. The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and the National RAISE (Resources for Access, Independence, Self-determination and Employment) Transition TA Center have a plethora of resources for families and professionals on effective transition services, scholarships for youth with disabilities, mental health on college campuses, post-school outcomes, and much more. Transition TN has a college prep checklist for students. They also have a family tip sheet on accessing accommodations.