Differences between High School/College for Students with Disabilities

High School

  • I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
  • Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • I.D.E.A. is about Success in 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.
  • 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
  • Parent has access to student records and can participate in the accommodation process
  • Parent advocates for student
  • Teachers may modify curriculum and/or 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
  • Attendance taken and reported
  • I.E.P. 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
  • Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of an I.E.P. or 504 plan
  • Tutoring is provided by specially trained teachers or staff
  • Your time and assignments are structured by others
  • You may study outside class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last-minute test preparation
  • Personal care services (assistance with getting to class, etc.) are required

College

  • A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title 11)
  • Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • NC Senate Bill 866
  • A.D.A. is about acces