The Big Shift: IDEA to ADA
When you graduate high school (or age out at 21), everything changes:
High School (IDEA)
- • School must find and evaluate you
- • IEP guarantees specialized instruction
- • School modifies curriculum if needed
- • Parents are key decision-makers
- • Success = achieving IEP goals
College (ADA/504)
- • YOU must self-identify and register
- • Accommodations only (not modifications)
- • Same academic standards as everyone
- • YOU are the decision-maker
- • Success = meeting course requirements
Critical difference: In K-12, the school finds you. In college, YOU must find the disability services office and request accommodations. No one will do it for you.
Why There Are No IEPs in College
IDEA (which provides IEPs) only applies to K-12 public education. Colleges are covered by different laws:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Applies to any school receiving federal funding. Requires "reasonable accommodations" for students with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Applies to all colleges (public and private). Prohibits discrimination and requires accessibility.
These laws provide access and accommodations, but not the specialized instruction and modifications that IEPs provide.
Transition Planning (Start at 16!)
By age 16 (or earlier in some states), your IEP must include transition planning for life after high school:
📋 Transition Assessment
Evaluates your interests, strengths, and needs for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
🎯 Postsecondary Goals
Your IEP should include specific goals for education/training, employment, and (when appropriate) independent living.
📚 Transition Services
Instruction and activities to help you reach your goals: study skills, self-advocacy training, college visits, etc.
📄 Summary of Performance
When you graduate, request a Summary of Performance (SOP) documenting your disability and accommodations—useful for college.
How to Get Accommodations in College
Find Disability Services
Every college has an office (often called Disability Services, Accessibility Services, or Student Accommodations). Find them BEFORE classes start.
Provide Documentation
You'll need current documentation of your disability. Your high school IEP and evaluations may work, but some colleges require updated assessments.
Request Specific Accommodations
Work with the office to determine appropriate accommodations. Be specific about what has helped you in the past.
Notify Professors Each Semester
You'll receive accommodation letters to give to each professor. It's YOUR responsibility to deliver them and discuss arrangements.
Common College Accommodations
What colleges DON'T have to provide: Modified assignments, reduced coursework, personal aides, or changes to essential course requirements. You must meet the same academic standards as all students.
Building Self-Advocacy Skills
In college, YOU are your own advocate. Start building these skills in high school:
Know your diagnosis, how it affects learning, and what helps.
Practice speaking up about your needs before you have to do it alone.
Be able to explain which accommodations help and why.
Email teachers about your needs before college, so it feels natural.