Differences Between High School and College Students with Disabilities
Applicable Laws
High School
- I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- I.D.E.A. is about Success
College
- A.D.A (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title 11)
- A.D.A. is about Access
Required Documentation
High School
- I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) and/or 504 Plan
- School provides evaluation at no cost to student
- Documentation focuses on determining whether student is eligible for services based on specific disability categories in I.D.E.A.
College
- Generally, the high school I.E.P. and 504 are not sufficient. Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.
- Documentation must provide information on specific functional limitations and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations.
Self-Advocacy
High School
- Student is identified by the school and is supported by parents and teachers
- Primary responsibility for arranging accommodations belongs to the school
- Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance
College
- Student must self-identity to the Office of Disability Services
- Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student
- Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance
Parental Role
High School
- Parent has access to student records and can participate in the accommodation process
- Parent advocates for student
College
- Parent does not have access to student records without student’s consent
- Student advocates for self
Instruction
High School
- Teachers may modify curriculum and/alter curriculum pace of assignments
- You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught in class
- You seldom need to read anything more than once, sometimes listening in class is enough
College
- Professors are not required to modify design or alter assignment deadlines
- You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class
- You need to review class notes, text and material regularly
Grades and Tests
High School
- IEP or 504 plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading
- Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material
- Makeup tests are often available
- Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates
College
- Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. Accommodations to HOW tests are given (extended time, test proctors) are available when supported by disability documentation
- Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material
- Makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them
- Professors expect you to read, save, and consult out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded
Study Responsibilities
High School
- Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of an IEP or 504 plan
- Your time and assignments are structured by others
- You may study outside class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, but this may be mostly last-minute test preparation
College
- Tutoring DOES NOT fall under Disability Services. Students with disabilities must seek out tutoring resources as they are available to all KSC students.
- You manage you own time and complete assignments independently.
- You need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class.
- Students can use the Aspire Program for support in these areas. They have tutorial support as well as Aspire Counselors who will work with you on executive functioning skills. Check them out!
Helpful General Information
- NH Services for Blind & Visually Impaired (800-581-6881)
- NH Vocational Rehabilitation (800-339-9900)
- NH Department of Education
- NH Governor’s Commission on Disability (603-271-2773)
For more information, please check with your locally within your own state.