As your student prepares for the transition to college, it is important to understand the significant differences between high school and college accommodations, the laws governing disability and higher education, and how to help your student advocate for themselves.
Under FERPA, all college students are considered adults, regardless of age. Students must communicate directly with faculty and staff, and vice versa. Students must advocate for themselves by self-disclosing that they have a disability and need accommodations.
Parents are welcome to request general information regarding the ADRC and the process for establishing services. However, a student must make the official or formal request, follow ADRC procedure, and interact with staff as necessary to establish services and receive accommodations.
The university FERPA release of information cannot be used in the ADRC.
Accommodations are provided to ensure equitable access to programs and curriculum under the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
College students must act on their own behalf and choose to disclose a disability to the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) staff and request accommodations. We are unable to accept a formal request for accommodations from a parent.
Parents are welcome to request general information regarding the ADRC and the process for establishing services. However, a student must make the official or formal request, follow ADRC procedure, and interact with staff as necessary to establish services and receive accommodations. With the student's permission, you are welcome to sit in on our meeting, but we will address the student directly and expect them to engage in the interactive process.
Encourage your student to become comfortable discussing their disability and how it affects their learning. They should also be familiar with the accommodations or modifications they receive in high school so they can discuss the college accommodations that will give them access to their course materials and help “level the playing field.”
To begin developing strong self-advocacy skills while still in high school, allow your student to:
Understanding the differences between accessibility services for high school and college students can help your student have a smoother transition. At the postsecondary level, the scope and purpose of accommodations shift from success to access.
For instance, in high school, students may be allowed to retake an exam if they score below a certain grade. This is not an option in college. Accommodations cannot alter the fundamental nature of the essential course requirements. Allowing a student to complete half the number of math problems on an exam, writing only a 5-page paper instead of a 10-page paper, or depending on the subject, a student using a word list on an exam, are all considered fundamental alterations.
Below are examples of some of the differences between high school and college.
| High School | College |
|---|---|
| The school prepares and provides documentation of disability. | Documentation is required and must be provided by the student. |
| Parents, teachers, counselors, and special education professionals keep track of students and their services each year. | The student must identify themselves every semester if they want services. |
| The content of the program is altered to fit the student. | Course content is not altered, although the method of learning may be changed. |
| The school provides eligibility for accommodations. | The student must prove eligibility. |
| The student may study two to eight hours per week. | For each hour in class, the student should study an average of two to three hours outside of class. |
| Teachers may give notes, provide assignments, or extend due dates if the student misses class. | Instructors expect students to be prepared for class even when missing class. |
| Teacher may initiate contact with students. | Students must initiate contact with instructors. |
| Teachers and parents remind students of their responsibilities. | Students manage their time and coursework. |
