IDEA & ADA
Many services for students with disabilities that were previously facilitated by parents and teachers under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Guidelines become the responsibility of the student in college, per the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1073. It should be understood that not all accommodations received in high school are appropriate in college.
It is the student’s responsibility to:
- Self-identify that they have a disability(ies) and want accommodations.
- Apply for accommodations by clicking on the link (insert link) to the Accessibility Resource Office.
- Provide current and appropriate documentation of the disability(ies)
Below is a table that we hope will highlight some of the key differences in navigating accessibility accommodations during this key transitional phase.
Differences Between High School and College for Students with Disabilities
Academic Differences | |
High School | College |
| High School personnel have the responsibility to try to modify inappropriate behavior caused by the disability into appropriate behavior. | Student is responsible for his/her own behavior, and inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. |
| Tests are often modified or shortened, or questions are modified. | Student is expected to take the same tests as all students. |
| Shortened or modified assignments as well as extra time to complete assignments are often given. | Student is expected to do the same work in the same time frame as all students. |
| Teachers are asked to adapt their teaching mode to the student. | Faculty have academic freedom in delivery, course content, requirements, and method of evaluation. |
| Accommodations are given for all subjects and do not have to be supported by diagnostic evaluation. | Accommodations are given only in the area of disability and must be supported by documentation. |
| Student is scheduled to see resource personnel on a regular basis or can come to the resource room on a drop-in basis. | Student must initiate requests for services. |
| Student's study is directed by special education teachers. | Student must have skills to organize, plan, and study independently. |
| Special educators inform instructors about student's accommodation needs. | Student talks to his/her teachers about accommodation needs. |
Legal Differences | |
High School | College |
| Services are provided under IDEA or Section 504, Subpart D | Services are provided under ADA AA and Section 504, Subpart E. |
| The IEP is mandated and followed. | The high school IEP ends, and there is no IEP at the college level. |
| The student has a right to an education, paid for by the state. Therefore special programs are created to meet the student's needs. | A college education is a privilege instead of a right, and special programs are not required. |
| Parents are actively involved in planning and decisions. | Student is considered an adult and must advocate for himself/herself. Parent involvement should cease. |
| Accommodations are provided to ensure the success of the student. | Accommodations are provided to ensure equal access, and success is the responsibility of the student. |
| School districts are responsible for identifying and evaluating disability at no cost to the student or family. | The student must self-identify and provide appropriate and current documentation based on the college's requirements. The college is not responsible for the payment of evaluations. |
| Parents sign documents for student. | Student signs all documents. |
| High school personnel talk freely with parents. | The Buckley Amendment requires that the student give written permission to personnel to talk to parents. |
Other Important Differences | |
High School | College |
| Transportation is provided. | Transportation and mobility on campus are responsibility of the student. |
| Often paraprofessionals are provided if a student needs personal care or behavioral management assistance. | The college is not responsible for providing personal care or behavioral management assistance. |
| Adaptive technology is minimally used. | Students are expected to use available adaptive technology. |
| Few students are exposed to textbooks in alternative formats because special educators clarify reading selections. | Student uses textbooks in alternative formats. |
The information above was provided by MO-AHEAD.
